In North Hampshire, there’s a little bit of Berkshire nostalgia as new Fleet Town boss Jamie McClurg begins work to get the club back to Step 4.
McClurg has appointed a backroom staff of people he has played with and for during his years in the game that took in multiple spells with Bracknell Town, a promotion with Slough Town, Godalming Town and of course an FA Vase Final with Binfield.
The new Fleet boss said: “I am really happy to have a strong team of good people around me. Between them they bring a huge amount of experience, football knowledge and success at different levels of the game. Just as importantly, they are people I trust and enjoy working with. They all share the same ambition to improve players, raise standards and help move Fleet Town FC forward, and I can’t wait for us to get started together.”
Alongside Director of Football Jon Underwood (another Bracknell Town connection), McClurg has appointed former Windsor & Eton favourite Ryan Parson as assistant manager alongside former Slough and Bracknell teammate George Short who is player/assistant manager.
Lee Simpson comes in as Head Coach after a successful spell managing Bracknell Town’s under 18s as well as Berks County – who he lead to promotion from the Combined Counties League Division One two years ago.
Oscar Crowley comes in from Wokingham Town as assistant coach along with goalkeeper coach Jack Medhurst who worked with Simpson at Berks County.
The biggest names on the list? Arguably former Staines Town ‘hitman’ Neil Selby who becomes Development Coach and popular former Wokingham & Emmbrook and Binfield boss Roger Herridge who “brings a wealth of local football knowledge and experience to the management group.”
Speaking via the Fleet Town website, Jon Underwood said of the new group: “We have a really good blend of knowledge and experience and people who have enjoyed success in the game, alongside fresh new energy and ideas. It’s a team who will help Clurgy to drive standards on the training ground and on matchday and having spoken to them all I know they can’t wait to start working with the players!”
