He’s been in post just over a week and new Woodley United boss Jordan Blake has wasted little time in appointing a new management team.
The Combined Counties League Division One side’s manager – who has moved across from Isthmian League Marlow – has made five behind-the-scenes appointments including Pete Chingoma and Sheldon Baptiste.
Blake, a long-serving coach under Mark Bartley at Marlow, brings a wealth of experience in the Isthmian League to his first managerial role at Woodley.
A statement posted on social media by Blake revealed the news: I am delighted to confirm my management team for the up-and-coming season 2022 / 2023, just ahead of preseason which starts on the 28th June at 7 – 9 pm at Goals Woodley on the grass. Both existing players and new players are welcome to come down to the session.
Since taking the job, I have spoken to a number of individuals that have been interested in joining the management team and I believe I have managed to bring together some fantastic people that will ensure we are right both from a tactical point of view heading into the season but also making sure we build the right environment and culture to allow players to enjoy their football.
Firstly, I would like to announce Pete Chingoma as my Assistant Manager for next season. I was recommended to reach out to Pete by a good friend of mine Deano Jones. They worked together for Reading City Under23s and Dev teams for the last 2 seasons. Prior to this, Pete we involved in non-league club coaching and is also an academy coach at Reading Football club and additionally has worked with Swindon FC age groups for several years. From my first conversation with Pete, I could tell he has great knowledge and understanding of the game at non-league level and our values and ethos are very much aligned. I am thoroughly looking forward to working with him.
The second member of my coaching staff I would like to introduce is Sheldon Baptiste who will be taking on the role of First Team Coach / Head of Recruitment. Sheldon is someone I have known for the last few seasons from working very closely with him in running a successful Sunday team that achieved the treble last season in the top division in Reading. Sheldon’s cool, calm, and collected approach and knowledge of players around the local reading area will help us to bring in the right players but more importantly the right characters we can trust both on and off the pitch. I am delighted that Sheldon has agreed to join the management team and looking forward to working with him in this new journey for both of us. Welcome to Woodley United FC, Sheldon.
Shawn Dabreo will also be joining my coaching staff as a specialist forward coach working closely with the forward players in both training and on match days to pass on his expertise and knowledge to our forward line. Again, Shawn is someone I have known for the last few years from Sunday football and I value his opinion immensely. I look forward to working with Shawn to refine and develop aspects of our attacking play. Welcome to Woodley United FC, Shawn, great to have you on board.
I am pleased to say Kaser Chowdhary has joining my staff as First Team coach. Kaser has played at step 4 / 5 / 6 in his career and unfortunately is due to have an operation very soon on his knee after an ACL injury. After Kaser told me he would miss most of the season I was keen to get him on my management team and have always thought very highly of him having known him from when he played for Marlow. His role will be ensuring there is a link between the management team and the players to allow us to move Woodley United Football Club forward together.
Last but not least, I am excited to announce Bilal Malik will be joining my staff as S&C/Fitness coach. Billy has been a PT for a number of years and worked with both Semi-Professional players and professional players. It is great to be able to attract Bilal to Woodley United FC and I look forward to working with over the coming season.
I will be updating all of you on player signings as and when they happen, and forms are released. As and when anything has been confirmed then you will be the first to know.
Blakey
