SSML Managers

[Rhodes]

On 19/07/2025 at 15:31, Rhodes said:

Premier Division

Kempston Rovers - Leon Cashman

Kempston Rovers have a new Manager with Reserve team boss Adrian Thomas moving up to take the helm from Leon Cashman who resigned recently:

https://ssmfl.uk/news/kempston-rovers-turner-steps-up-into-the-hot-seat

https://www.kempstonrovers.org/news/club-statement--first-team-management-2948482.html

[Rhodes]

On 19/07/2025 at 15:31, Rhodes said:

Premier Division

Aylesbury Vale Dynamos - Paul Batchelor 

Jordan King has returned to Haywood Way following the recent departure of Paul Batchelor:

https://ssmfl.uk/news/aylesbury-vale-dynamos-king-ready-for-business

https://www.aylesburyvaledynamos.co.uk/news/club-announcement-2946885.html

[Rhodes]

Father and son duo Jamie and Danny Nicholls didn't last five minutes at Dunstable Town did they and welcome the far more experienced Mickey Nathan and Steve O'Reilly as new joint Manager's to Creasey Park:

We’re delighted to welcome on board new joint managers Micky Nathan & Steve O’Reilly, who take over from tonight Micky is no stranger to the Spartan League having had success with previous Club Harpenden Town of course, Steve is no stranger to the Club as well, having managed the side at the start of the season.

Last night the board received the resignation of Danny & Jamie Nicholls which was accepted We would like to thank them for their efforts whilst with the club and wish them all the best for the future.

https://www.dunstabletownfc.co.uk/post/announcement-of-new-management-team

[Rhodes]

On 25/11/2025 at 12:32, Rhodes said:

AFC Welwyn have wasted no time in appointing a successor to Brett Donnelly:

CLUB STATEMENT: CALLUM DONNELLY APPOINTED FIRST TEAM MANAGER - We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Callum Donnelly as the Club's new First Team Manager. Callum is a highly respected figure within the Club, having served as Assistant Manager to Brett during our successful promotion-winning season last year. His experience and deep understanding of our goals made him the perfect choice to support and deliver our plans both on and off the field, whilst maintaining some consistency in the dressing room. Cal has played at a high level and possesses an excellent network within local football. This connectivity will be integral as he constructs a squad capable of challenging at the top of the SSML Premier Division. Callum Donnelly: Career Overview Cal brings extensive experience from both his successful playing career and his coaching pathway. His playing highlights include significant achievements in league promotion: He began his senior career at Stotfold, where his team secured the league title at Step 5. Following a season at Barton, he joined Hitchin, achieving promotion from Step 4. He remained at Hitchin for eight years, a period which included a three-month stint with Cambridge City. During his time at Hitchin, the team reached the play-offs twice, narrowly missing out on further promotion on both occasions. He later signed for Bedford, where his team won the league, achieving promotion to Step 3, and he remained with the Club for six seasons. More recently, he joined Stotfold alongside Brett, assisting them in achieving promotion to Step 5. His management and coaching experience includes: Serving as Assistant Manager at Bedford for six months at Step 3, before transitioning into a Player-Coach role. He subsequently served as Assistant Manager at Stotfold. Prior to accepting the current role, he held the position of Assistant Manager at AFC Welwyn. The club wishes Cal every success in his new role.

https://afcwelwyn.co.uk/news/club-legend-steps-up-to-management

Callum Donnelly didn't last five minutes at AFC Welwyn did he and the Club have made an interesting appointment in Scott Patmore:

[Rhodes]

On 19/12/2025 at 13:20, Rhodes said:

Callum Donnelly didn't last five minutes at AFC Welwyn did he and the Club have made an interesting appointment in Scott Patmore:

An interesting media interview with new AFC Welwyn boss Scott Patmore who states that he has never managed in the SSML previously and, strangely, calls it 'a freak of a League':

 

[Winslow Boy]

🤡’s

[Rhodes]

On 19/07/2025 at 15:31, Rhodes said:

Premier Division

Harlow Town - Danny Chapman

Danny Chapman has departed the Harlow Arena:

THANK YOU DANNY CHAPMAN - Harlow Town Football Club can confirm the departure of First Team Manager Danny Chapman. Danny was a very successful player at Harlow Town FC throughout the 2000s, joining in 2003 and making over 200 appearances for the Club. He departed the Club in 2008 and re-joined in 2010 as First Team Manager. Danny’s time as First Team manager can be remembered by many successful seasons, competing for promotion to Step 3, gaining promotion via the playoffs in the 2015/16 season, as well as being the manager to bring silverware back to the Club for the first time in 18 years in the form of the Thurlow Nunn League Challenge Cup. The following season, Chapman led the Club to the Thurlow Nunn Division One South League title. We cannot thank Danny enough for his efforts with the Club, for the last 23 years he has been involved, with the only gaps between being 2008-2010 and a brief period in 2020. He will be remembered as a legend of the Club who has brought some legendary moments for hundreds of people. We wish him all the best for the future.

[Rhodes]

On 20/10/2025 at 17:27, Rhodes said:

Mickey Nathan has departed Rothamsted Park and Harpenden Town's new Manager is, wait for it, Lee Hawkes, see an interview following Lee's interesting appointment ahead of the Club's FA Vase First Round tie at Wisbech Town on Saturday (18 October):

https://x.com/Harpenden_Town/status/1979246350161084762/video/1

Lee Hawkes unfortunately didn't last long as Harpenden Town's Manager:

Harpenden Town FC are inviting applications for the role of First Team Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity to take charge of an ambitious club with a proud history, strong support base, and a clear vision for the future. We are looking for a driven and organised Manager who can build a competitive squad, develop players within the club’s pathway and help move Harpenden Town forward both on and off the pitch. The successful candidate will be expected to set high standards, create a strong team culture and represent the values of the football club. Harpenden Town has a growing structure across senior, development and Women’s football and the new Manager will play an important role in continuing to strengthen that pathway. Interested applicants should apply by emailing an overview of their experience to date. Please contact: djrussell001@gmail.com

Harpenden Town FC can confirm that Lee Hawkes has stepped down as 1st team Manager. Lee has been with Harpenden Town since 2024, having initially joined as Assistant Coach before stepping up to become Head Coach earlier this season. During his time at the Club, Lee showed total commitment, professionalism and dedication to the group, and played an important role in supporting the development of the squad. Everyone at Harpenden Town would like to thank Lee for his hard work and contribution over this period, and we wish him all the very best for the future. In the meantime, Peter Russell and the existing coaching team will be joined by Ryan Plowright as player/coach while the club begins the process of recruiting a new First Team Manager ahead of next season. We thank our supporters for their continued backing.

Edited March 13 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

On 19/07/2025 at 15:31, Rhodes said:

Premier Division

Arlesey Town - Tommy Cooney

Arlesey Town are looking for a new Manager following the resignation and departure of Tommy Cooney to Manage Southern League Division One Central Northwood FC:

Arlesey Town FC - We're on the lookout for a first team Manager. Manage all first team football activities. Support and encourage the player pathway from our youth teams. Lead our preparations for the 26/27 season. Interested, send your footballing CV and cover letter to info@arleseytownfc.co.uk - detailed job description available on request. Applications close 31st March, interviews to be held during April.

[Rhodes]

I have it on good authority that Bovingdon are surprisingly looking for a new Manager having relieved Ross Bargent of his duties after less than a year at Green Lane, having arrived from Leverstock Green in June last year.

[Rhodes]

On 21/07/2025 at 12:30, Rhodes said:

Division One

Irchester United - Liam Leonard and Trent Woodley

Irchester United joint Manager's Liam Leonard and Trent Woodley will be stepping down at the end of the season:

Club Statement.

As many people will now be aware, first team Managers Liam Leonard and Trent Woodley will be stepping down at the end of the season.

Liam is out 8 days a week with his various football commitments, and needs and deserves more family time after 10 years in Saturday Management.

Trent and Kallan wish to resume their playing careers next season.

All 3 have been an absolute pleasure to have at Irchester United. We've had the best couple of seasons for many years, with the play-off Semi Final last season and the League Cup Final this season.

They've exceeded all expectations set by the Club when we appointed them and we'll be forever thankful to them and those who've supported them and the Club.

We'll do our official thank you's at the presentation evening, hopefully celebrating a League Cup final win as well.

We now have a vacancy for First Team Manager; to express an interest please e-mail co-Chairman Dan Beaman on leeds_diamond@yahoo.co.uk

Edited April 17 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

On 21/07/2025 at 12:30, Rhodes said:

Division One

Stotfold Development - Jon Little

Jon Little, and his trusted assistants Sean Lyness and Michael Payne, will be stepping down following this evening's (Friday 17 April) final game of the 2025/26 campaign at the JSJ Stadium:

Edited April 17 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

On 21/07/2025 at 12:30, Rhodes said:

Division One

Cranfield United - Jason Goldman  

The Managerial 'merry go round' appears to have started earlier:

Goldman Steps Down - We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to Jason for his incredible hard work for the last 3 seasons. Under his guidance Cranfield is now a solidified SSML Club which is a huge achievement coming from BCL. Thank you from all at the Club.

Edited April 24 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

On 17/04/2026 at 09:58, Rhodes said:

Irchester United joint Manager's Liam Leonard and Trent Woodley will be stepping down at the end of the season:

Club Statement.

As many people will now be aware, first team Managers Liam Leonard and Trent Woodley will be stepping down at the end of the season.

Liam is out 8 days a week with his various football commitments, and needs and deserves more family time after 10 years in Saturday Management.

Trent and Kallan wish to resume their playing careers next season.

All 3 have been an absolute pleasure to have at Irchester United. We've had the best couple of seasons for many years, with the play-off Semi Final last season and the League Cup Final this season.

They've exceeded all expectations set by the Club when we appointed them and we'll be forever thankful to them and those who've supported them and the Club.

We'll do our official thank you's at the presentation evening, hopefully celebrating a League Cup final win as well.

We now have a vacancy for First Team Manager; to express an interest please e-mail co-Chairman Dan Beaman on leeds_diamond@yahoo.co.uk

An update from Alfred Street with Jamie Jollands (pictured right) taking the reins of Manager with Lee Wilkinson (pictured left) as his trusted assistant:

Edited April 23 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

On 21/07/2025 at 12:30, Rhodes said:

Division One

Long Buckby AFC - Jamie Jollands 

Long Buckby AFC are looking for a new Manager following the recent departure of Jamie Jollands to Irchester United:

Edited April 24 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

On 21/07/2025 at 12:30, Rhodes said:

Division One  

Buckingham FC - Scott Reynolds

Scott Reynolds and his trusted assistant Ryan Gurton and coach Brett Moran (all pictured) are, disappointingly, leaving Stratford Fields:

Buckingham Football Club can confirm that Manager Scott Reynolds has stepped down from his position as First Team Manager, along with assistant Ryan Gurton and coach Brett Moran (all pictured) also leaving their roles at the Club. Scott & Ryan joined the Club during the early part of the 2024/25 season and both made an immediate impact, helping to turn around the squad’s fortunes on the pitch and successfully consolidating our position at Step 6. The leadership, commitment and hard work from both Scott & Ryan have been invaluable during this period. Brett joined the management team at the start of the 2025/2026 season, adding a new dynamic to the management team with a focus on coaching and other duties within the first team squad. We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Scott, Ryan & Brett for their dedication and professionalism throughout their time at the Club. They all leave with our utmost appreciation, everyone at Buckingham FC wishes Scott, Ryan & Brett all the very best for the future. Reynolds said: ‘On behalf and Ryan, Brett & I, we would like to place on record our thanks and appreciation to the Committee, supporters, wider staff, other Managers, other coaches and of course all the players at Buckingham FC. It’s been a roller coaster and a full on couple of years but we leave the Club in a considerably better position than what we first came into. Our best wishes for the future go to all involved at the Club now and in the next phases’.

Edited April 24 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

On 13/03/2026 at 15:15, Rhodes said:

Lee Hawkes unfortunately didn't last long as Harpenden Town's Manager:

Harpenden Town FC are inviting applications for the role of First Team Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity to take charge of an ambitious club with a proud history, strong support base, and a clear vision for the future. We are looking for a driven and organised Manager who can build a competitive squad, develop players within the club’s pathway and help move Harpenden Town forward both on and off the pitch. The successful candidate will be expected to set high standards, create a strong team culture and represent the values of the football club. Harpenden Town has a growing structure across senior, development and Women’s football and the new Manager will play an important role in continuing to strengthen that pathway. Interested applicants should apply by emailing an overview of their experience to date. Please contact: djrussell001@gmail.com

Harpenden Town FC can confirm that Lee Hawkes has stepped down as 1st team Manager. Lee has been with Harpenden Town since 2024, having initially joined as Assistant Coach before stepping up to become Head Coach earlier this season. During his time at the Club, Lee showed total commitment, professionalism and dedication to the group, and played an important role in supporting the development of the squad. Everyone at Harpenden Town would like to thank Lee for his hard work and contribution over this period, and we wish him all the very best for the future. In the meantime, Peter Russell and the existing coaching team will be joined by Ryan Plowright as player/coach while the club begins the process of recruiting a new First Team Manager ahead of next season. We thank our supporters for their continued backing.

Harpenden Town have appointed a new Manager following Lee Hawkes departure from Rothamsted Park:

Harpenden Town FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Jimmy Gray as men’s first team Manager. Welcome to Rothamsted Park!

[Rhodes]

On 25/03/2026 at 17:38, Rhodes said:

Arlesey Town are looking for a new Manager following the resignation and departure of Tommy Cooney to Manage Southern League Division One Central Northwood FC:

Arlesey Town FC - We're on the lookout for a first team Manager. Manage all first team football activities. Support and encourage the player pathway from our youth teams. Lead our preparations for the 26/27 season. Interested, send your footballing CV and cover letter to info@arleseytownfc.co.uk - detailed job description available on request. Applications close 31st March, interviews to be held during April.

Arlesey Town have appointed Darren Ward as their new Manager:

WELCOME TO ARLESEY, DARREN WARD - Arlesey Town FC are proud and excited to announce the appointment of Darren Ward as First Team Manager. As a former Premier League player, Darren brings elite-level experience, leadership, and a winning mentality to the dugout - setting the standard for everything we want to achieve moving forward. A message from Matt Broyd ATFC Chairman “I am elated to welcome Darren to the club. We left no stone unturned over the last few weeks to ensure we found the perfect fit to kickstart this new era at ATFC. Darren’s experience of the game at the highest levels, passion for the Club's future, and leadership qualities, makes him a really exciting appointment.” This isn’t just an appointment, it’s a statement of intent for Arlesey Town FC.