SCEFL First Division Club Updates

With the new season edging ever closer, clubs across the SCEFL First Division have already begun laying the foundations for their 2026/27 campaigns, with managerial appointments, player recruitment and squad retention well underway.

Welling Town have been among the busiest clubs on social media during the early weeks of the summer, unveiling Aaron Kidd as their new Head Coach. The Boots have outlined ambitious plans for the future and have already begun assembling their squad, retaining Austin Smart and Euan O’Neil while welcoming back Fred Aikon. Ernie Cheeseman, Tommy Foster, Prem Singh, Jake Heath, Damola Awe, Reuben Stiell and Zak Howard have also joined the club.

There has been significant change at Rochester United following the departure of Michael Betts, who stepped down for personal reasons after guiding the Spartans to a third-place finish and the First Division Play-Off Final. Former player Andy Pierce has returned as First Team Manager after impressing at Greenways, with club legend Tony Whitaker joining the management team in his first coaching role. Hicham Akhazzan remains as Player Coach, while leading scorer Mack Reilly heads a lengthy retained list alongside Jack Bray, Harvey Brown, Will Currie, Dan Lott, Tom Loynes, Lucas Payne, Chris Swift, Tony Whitaker and Liam Wilkins. Connor Watson and Aston Freeman are the club’s first confirmed signings.

Relegated Hythe Town have also appointed a new manager ahead of their return to SCEFL football. Andy Crush arrives following successful spells with Deal Town Reserves and Hawkinge Town, where he guided the club to a league title last season. The Cannons have retained the nucleus of their squad while adding Harry Andrews, James Nurden, Harry Codd, Billy Lewins, Michael Stott, Monty Saunders, Lewis Stevens-Toomey, Tom Walmsley, Harry Linch, Josh Byford and Jarred Trepaderne.

At Greenways, former captain Jack Clark has stepped up to become First Team Manager, assisted by Brad Brooker. The club have retained Simon Walton, Aaron Sanderson, Luke Mercer, Freddie Bull, Dan Ashton, Michael Paton, George Wady and Tom Webb, while Ben Davisson, Lewis Cook, Kshitiz Neupane, Taylor Bowley, Azeez Itanola, Luke Hearn, Harley Gorse, Tommy Whitnell, Harry Baptiste and Josh Jackson strengthen the squad.

Play-off semi-finalists Lordswood have confirmed an extensive retained list, with Sam Grant, George Miles, Ellis Shadwell, Freeman Rogers, Jonny Harris, Charlie Plummer, Alfie Clark, Vinnie Medhurst, Lewis Tristram, Zack Manning, Luis Dos Santos, Timmy Babington, Sam Wright, Jack Wright, Nat Murray, Tommy Davey, Harvey Welford and Shaq Williams all staying with manager Callum O’Shea. New arrivals Luke Adams, George Sheminant, Jack Richards, Callum Peck and Tyler Sterling add further quality ahead of another promotion push.

FC Elmstead have retained much of last season’s squad as they prepare for life at their new home with Tonbridge Angels. Tom Goodayle, Josh Fill, Jack Gibson, Ryan Croucher, Tom Cleary, Lewis Neale, Rob Myles, Tom Green, Connor Cheek, Matt Faithorn, Jamie Fearn, Scott Higgins, Luke Alliband and Alfie Sanders all remain under Brehn Chidley, while Kanan Fitton returns alongside new signings Darren Cooper, Toby Corner, Frankie Driscoll, Fin Williams and James Green.

Sheppey Sports have confirmed the arrivals of Danny Walder, Ryan Freeman, Elbie Joe Boichat and Ashton David as preparations continue for the new campaign.

Lewisham Borough have retained the services of Montiel Williams, Tyreese Webb, James Boughtflower, Bryan Zepo, Donnell Anderson and Nicholas Harvey, while Rio Campbell becomes the club’s latest addition.

At Croydon, former professional Sean Scannell has joined the Trams as Director of Football, bringing a wealth of experience to the club’s football operations.

There has also been a change behind the scenes at Tooting Bec, where Assistant Manager Dwight Barnett has departed after helping the club to two trophy successes. Barnett leaves to pursue new opportunities within the game.

Elsewhere, Staplehurst Monarchs have strengthened their squad with the additions of Freeman Rogers and Samuel Ajayi.

With pre-season fixtures now underway across the division, supporters can expect plenty more announcements over the coming weeks as clubs continue shaping their squads ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Last updated – 14th July