Finchampstead boss steps down at Thames Valley Premier League side

Finch boss steps down citing 'player availability'

Thames Valley Premier League side Finchampstead begin the search for a new manager after Chris Bark announced his decision to depart.

Promoted back to the Thames Valley Premier League Premier Division in 2019, Finch went on to win the title twice in succession between 2021 and 2022. Since then the side have remained competitive with a runners up spot and two fifth placed finishes.

In a statement on social media, Bark said: “With regret, I’m stepping down as Finchampstead manager. Player availability has made it hard to field a team. Huge thanks to Lee Fryer and the club for the opportunity — wishing everyone at Finch all the best for the future.”

With regret, I’m stepping down as @Finch_FC1 manager. Player availability has made it hard to field a team. Huge thanks to @fryerlee123 and the club for the opportunity — wishing everyone at Finch all the best for the future
— Chris Bark (@bark19143) October 13, 2025

Bark was a late appointment in the summer after Chris Thompson’s departure, but the season opened well with a 4-0 win at Reading YMCA. However a 4-1 defeat at Goring United followed as well as a 10-1 defeat at Westwood Wanderers with an away walkover for Burghfield in the clubs most recent home fixture.

Finch are due to host Westwood on Saturday at the Memorial Ground.

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Tom Canning

Tom Canning is the co-editor of Football in Berkshire. He has played at the lowest possible level of football in the Bracknell Sunday League Fourth Division. In real life Tom is a Freelance Digital Content Producer having spent 20 years at Reach PLC, starting out on the Reading Evening Post - as well as a year with The Cricketer Magazine. He co-founded Football in Berkshire with Darrell Freeland in 2016. He is the former manager of Bracknell Town Ladies Reserves and Binfield Ladies in the Thames Valley Women's League.

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