Hunter (pictured) is no stranger to the SCEL, having been involved with clubs for the past fifteen
years.
He
has worked previously at Erith & Belvedere and Beckenham Town and was part
of the successful management team at Fisher that challenged for the Premier
Division title two years ago.
He
was part of the Punjab United team early in the 2019/20 season before joining
Anslow’s coaching set-up at Martyn Grove in January.
Hunter
had impressed the committee in the short space of time that he was involved and
expressed an immediate interest in taking on the role once Anslow had advised
of his intention to leave.
Joining
Hunter at the club are Michael Dodsworth as assistant manager and Sonny
Gladdish as first team coach.
Dodsworth
needs no introduction to Lordswood having featured as a player during his
career and has played at many clubs in the SCEL and Isthmian Leagues.
He
recently had a coaching role at local rivals K Sports.
Gladdish
had stints in both the Charlton Athletic and Millwall academy as a player
before moving into coaching.
He
had four successful years with Maidstone United in their youth set up before
joining East Grinstead Town in the Isthmian League.
He
has also had roles at Hastings United, Margate, Sheppey United and K Sports.
Vice-chairman,
Paul Caulfield told https://www.lordswoodfc.club:
“We are delighted to welcome Neil, Michael and Sonny on board as the new
management of the first team. Neil is well respected within non-League football
and his enthusiasm for the role really shone through.
“The
club is reaching an important stage with its development of the youth structure
and we are looking forward to seeing further progression as our Kent Youth
sides push on towards men’s football. The key link between the youth set-up and
the first team is the reserve section and we are delighted that Imran
Englefield and Chris Gardner will continue their management of the reserves,
who had a great season in 2019/20 with a number of players having already
featured in the first team.
“Whilst
we still do not know when football will resume, we are pleased to have
finalised the management structure so that preparations can begin to ensure we
have a settled squad raring to go when we finally get the green light to play
again.”
Anslow
resigned due to family reasons having taken the reins in June last year from
former boss Richard Styles, who had departed for Tunbridge Wells following
three seasons at the helm.
Anslow
had led the Lords to 13th in the SCEL Premier Division before the season was
cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic with 10 games still to play.
This
news follows the recent announcement by assistant manager Owen Price who left
the club last week.
Caulfield
added: “Darren has advised due to extra work commitments and a desire to spend
more time with his family, that he wishes to take a break away from football
which is completely understandable.
“We
would like to thank Darren and Owen for all their time and efforts last season.
They came onboard at a difficult time and didn’t have long to raise a
competitive squad for the 2019/20 season. They achieved some noticeable
performances and results to ensure we remained comfortable in the league and
highlighted their potential. We wish them both the very best in their future
management careers”. |