Manager Merry-Go-Round

There’s plenty of movement already across the SCEFL managerial landscape ahead of the 2026/27 season, with a mixture of new appointments, departures, internal promotions and vacancies emerging across the divisions.

AFC Greenwich Borough have announced the departure of First Team Coach Reece Parrara following a hugely successful spell at the club. Parrara played a key role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, helping guide Borough to their first league title and cup double. The club praised his commitment and dedication, while wishing the highly-rated young coach every success in the next stage of his career.

Rochester United initially announced the resignation of manager Michael Betts for personal reasons following an excellent campaign which saw the Spartans finish third and reach the play-off final. The club have since moved quickly to appoint Andy Pierce as their new first team manager. Pierce is well known to the club as a former Spartan and arrives after impressing with the work he carried out at Greenways FC. He will be assisted by Rochester legend Tony Whitaker, who steps into management for the first time, while Hicham Akhazzan remains as first team coach.

Holmesdale have confirmed continuity at the top by appointing Andy Constable and Pete Nolan as their joint first team managers. Constable remains in place after leading the club last season, while Nolan arrives from Sutton Athletic FC after overseeing the club’s highest-ever league finish. Nolan also returns to familiar surroundings at Holmesdale.

At Hollands & Blair, Darren Blackburn has stepped down from his role as first team manager due to work commitments. Blackburn guided the club to a seventh-place finish last season, narrowly missing out on the play-offs after recovering from a difficult start to the campaign. The club moved quickly to appoint from within, promoting assistant Ian Draycott into the managerial position ahead of the new season.

Corinthian have filled their managerial vacancy with the appointment of Mason East as their new first team manager. East arrives after a successful spell in charge of Whitstable Town’s Under 23 side and has spoken of his excitement at being given the opportunity to lead the Hoops. The club have welcomed their new manager and will hope he can build on the foundations laid towards the end of a challenging 2025/26 campaign.

Fraser Walker has departed from Larkfield & New Hythe. Walker announced the end of his three-year spell at the club where he was a joint manager – a period which brought two trophies and the highest league finish in the club’s history. Tony Reid will continue in his role as manager with Sian Fitzpatrick stepping up to the No 2 position.

Meanwhile, Hythe Town have turned to Andy Crush as their new first team manager. Crush arrives with experience at this level after spells with Deal Town Reserves and Hawkinge Town FC, where he guided the club to a league title last season. Hythe say the appointment is part of their plans to rebuild and move the club forward.

Snodland Town have unveiled a new-look management team led by player-manager Connor Dymond. He will be assisted by Martin McCarthy, while Barry Bell joins as goalkeeping coach and Rhys Terry takes up the role of analyst and coach. Chairman Dave Jeal praised Dymond’s leadership qualities and said the club’s ambitions aligned closely during discussions over the vacancy.

Welling Town have been one of the more active clubs on social media during the early summer, with the Boots unveiling Aaron Kidd as their new Head Coach. The club have outlined ambitious plans ahead of the new season and continue to build momentum both on and off the pitch.

At Croydon, the Trams have strengthened their football structure with the appointment of Sean Scannell as Director of Football. The former professional brings considerable experience to the role and represents a significant addition behind the scenes.

There has also been change at Tooting Bec, where Assistant Manager Dwight Barnett has departed the club. Barnett leaves after helping guide Bec to two trophy successes and moves on to pursue further opportunities within his coaching career. Coming in as Assistant Managers are Foad Mahamed and Carl McAllister

Meanwhile, Greenways have promoted from within, appointing former captain Jack Clark as First Team Manager. Clark will lead the club both on and off the pitch and will be assisted by Brad Brooker, who joins the management team as Assistant Manager ahead of the new campaign.

Returning Premier Division side Beckenham Town have also confirmed a managerial departure, with Del Oldfield leaving his position at the club. Beckenham thanked Oldfield for his hard work and wished him well for the future. Coming in as Becks Manager is Adam Griffin. Adam’s aim is to build an exciting team on the pitch that the fans want to watch and that represents the talent that is in South London.

And while they may no longer be part of the SCEFL following promotion, there has also been change at champions Whitstable Town. Jamie Coyle has departed to take over at Margate FC, with Lee Martin stepping in as the new Whitstable manager ahead of life at Step 4.

Early summer chaos? Standard SCEFL transfer window behaviour… just with managers instead of strikers this time.