Holyport appoint new managers to bring back “family” feel

Combined Counties League Premier Division North Holyport have appointed a new management team following the departure of Adam Hopkins.

Port narrowly missed out on a second successive play-off campaign last season and Hopkins has now departed for Yateley United.

In a statement released by the club, the appointment of former players Lee Ovens and Dan Rapley – currently reserve team manager – was confirmed: “Lee Ovens and Daniel Rapley have accepted the role in joint capacity. After a fantastic end to the season with the Reserves, which saw 15 wins from 16 league games, Lee and Dan were the first people the board spoke to take the position.

“Even more important for the club was they both know the club, with nearly 700 appearances for the first team between them. It is important that the pathway and ethos is correct, from the Juniors to the First Team, both Lee and Dan echoed our thoughts and commitment to strengthening this connection.”

A veteran of 350 Port appearances, Ovens, known as “Worzel”, is celebrated for his robust defending and leadership qualities, as captain and assistant manager under Derek Sweetman.

Rapley scored 105 goals in 300 appearances as a wide midfielder. Rapley’s career included a successful stint with Thatcham Town, where he won the FA Vase and the Hellenic League Premier Division.

Enthusiastic about the appointment as you’d expect, chairman Tony Andrews said: “We know that Lee and Dan will have the drive and enthusiasm to do everything they can for the club and we look forward to supporting and watching their development with the First Team.

“Mitchell Scarvaci will be joining Lee and Dan as Coach. Mitch holds his Level C badge (old level 2) and was also
part of the Reserve team set up this season. Mitch is also no stranger to Holyport FC with 20 appearances previously for the Reserves. More additions will be announced in the coming weeks as the management team look to strengthen.”

Ovens and Rapley said on their unveiling: “We are absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to
manage the club that has always held a very special place in our hearts for so long. We have seen the club go through many different stages throughout the years.

Our aim is to get the club back to being a “family” community club – from our under U7s all the way up to our
first team. With the addition of the Allied Counties team this year, we are looking to create a clear pathway of growth for our young players to join us in the first team. As we move into this new era, our aim is to unite all aspects of the club as a whole, from the youth teams, to the allied, the reserves and the first team, but also you, the fans. You are at the heart and soul of this club, and we are looking forward to bringing you all on this journey with us. As always, “proud to be seen” and to new beginnings!

“We’re delighted that Mitch has committed to the journey with us, and we’ll look to add to our management team in due course.”