Banstead Athletic Announce New First Team Management Team

Banstead Athletic have announced a change in first team management, with Paul Hill, Mike Fox and Tom Taylor taking charge following the departure of Keith Ward from the manager’s role.

The decision comes following a difficult start to the 2026/27 SCEFL First Division campaign, with Banstead currently sitting 17th in the table and occupying one of the relegation places.

In a statement released by the club, Chairman Gary Grabban confirmed that the decision had been reached by mutual agreement following discussions with Keith.

“After a challenging period of results for the club since the start of the season Keith and myself have mutually agreed that a change of Management for the First Team would be the best way forward.”

Keith has been involved with Banstead since returning to the club alongside Grabban for the 2023/24 season.

The Chairman paid tribute to his long-standing colleague and friend, highlighting their association stretching back more than 39 years and thanking him for his dedication during a challenging period for the club.

Although stepping away from first team management, Keith will remain at Banstead Athletic as part of the club’s management and committee team.

The club have now confirmed that Paul Hill, Mike Fox and Tom Taylor will form the new first team management team as Banstead look to improve their fortunes over the coming months.

Grabban welcomed the trio to the club and encouraged supporters to get behind the new appointments.

The changes come at an important stage of the season for Banstead, who have struggled for consistency in the opening months of the campaign.

However, Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Staplehurst Monarchs, secured through a second-half goal from Carter de Ste Croix, provided a welcome boost and lifted the club off the bottom of the First Division table.

The new management team will now be tasked with building on that result as Banstead look to move away from the relegation places.

The SCEFL wishes Keith well in his continuing role at the club and welcomes Paul, Mike and Tom to their new positions.