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Lordswood appoint Barman as new Boss

 

Lordswood Football Club have announced that Matt Barman will be their new First Team Manager.

Matt played for Lordswood, albeit briefly,in the 90s under Gary Doe and was a prolific goalscorer for Milton in the Kent County League and Quested in Sunday League football. He has been in management for nearly 15 years having initially started out with Milton in the Kent County Premier Division and more recently at youth level at Whitstable Town.

Matt will be joined by Dan Tanner who has been appointed as Assistant Manager and Paul Murray as 1st team coach.

Dan has had plenty of playing experience at Isthmian League level and above featuring for Folkestone Invicta, Sittingbourne, Ashford and Ramsgate.

Paul is no stranger to the SCEFL having managed at Canterbury City and Deal Town, and has also held assistant manager posts at Ramsgate and Whitstable. He is a former professional player and started his career at Charlton Athletic, whilst also playing international football for Northern Ireland U18 and U21 before being called up to the senior international squad. He is a qualified UEFA ‘A’ Licence coach since 2018 and has worked for Crystal Palace Development squad for 3 years.

On his appointment, Matt said: “We are very excited to have this opportunity to become part of the Lordswood family.”

“Being a Chatham lad and having played for Lordswood under the legend that is Gary Doe, gives it that extra edge for me.”

“I’ve managed now for approaching 15 years and feel that overall i have been successful winning titles and cups along the way and i hope to bring a winning mentality to the club. As a player, my heart was always at Quested and Milton where I had many successful years as well as some semi-pro clubs along the way.

“In the short term, we will be looking for intensity and commitment from the boys while we work with them on what we see as their roles and responsibilities and the shape and style we want to play. Looking at the teams record this season, there have been some impressive results. I read earlier that someone said how the previous manager had left the club in a better place than when he found it – i couldn’t agree more, and we want to replicate this and in time add to it.”

“Long term we want to create an environment of opportunity and eventually have a core of local players that are committed to the club. This certainly isn’t an overnight thing, but i thoroughly believe it is achievable. I see so many talented young players falling out of love with the game due to missed opportunities. Whilst it is important to have experience within the team, we believe that age is just a number. If you’re good enough and bring the right level of commitment and desire, whether your in your 30s or late teens, we’ll help nurture the talent and progress it through the club.”




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