SCEFL First Division Summer Updates
With the new season edging ever closer, clubs across the SCEFL First Division have already started laying the foundations for their 2026/27 campaigns, with managerial appointments, structural changes and player recruitment plans beginning to take shape.
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. The Boots have also begun shaping their squad, with Austin Smart retained and Fred Aikon returning to the club, while Ernie Cheeseman, Tommy Foster and Zak Howard are eye-catching additions.
There has been significant change at Rochester United following the departure of manager Michael Betts, who stepped down for personal reasons after an outstanding season which saw the Spartans finish third and reach the First Division Play-Off Final.
The club have acted quickly to appoint former player Andy Pierce as their new First Team Manager. Pierce arrives after impressing during his spell with Greenways, while club legend Tony Whitaker joins the management team in his first managerial role. Hicham Akhazzan remains in place as First Team Coach, and leading scorer Mack Reilly has become the first player to commit to the Spartans for the new season.
Newcomers Hythe Town have also appointed a new manager ahead of their return to SCEFL football. Andy Crush takes charge having previously enjoyed success with Deal Town Reserves and Hawkinge Town, where he guided the club to a league title last season. The Cannons believe the appointment is an important step in their rebuilding process as they look to move the club forward.
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. Greenways have also announced a number of key retentions, including Simon Walton, Aaron Sanderson, Luke Mercer, Freddie Bull, Dan Ashton, Michael Paton, George Wady and Tom Webb, while Ben Davisson, Azeez Itanola, Luke Hearn and Josh Jackson have all arrived as eye-catching new additions.
Last season’s play-off semi-finalists Lordswood have revealed 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 loyal to manager Callum O’Shea and the club for the coming season.
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.
Elsewhere, Staplehurst Monarchs have announced that First Team trials will take place this Saturday as preparations continue for the new season. Interested players are encouraged to contact the club directly for further details.
With pre-season preparations gathering pace across the division, plenty more announcements are expected in the coming weeks as clubs continue building towards the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
Last updated – 21st June