Meet the Managers and Coaches

This section profiles the team managers and the club’s coaches. It will be updated regularly as appropriate [scroll down to read about each manager].

1 Phil Wedge 2 Trent Thomas 3 David Smith 4 Richie Moore 5 Ian Mace 6 Trevor Strand 7 Dave Homewood 8 Tony Gawler 9 Andy Williams 10 Matt Barham 11 Matt Coniam

1 Phil Wedge

Phil, a Gemini, was born in Plumstead, south east London in 1967 but has lived most of his life in Ashford. At the end of the 2009-10 season he decided to have a break from team management after taking the Sunday Reserves up to Division One. After playing in the Green Under 16s [he joined the club in 1982] Phil went on a wander through, in his words, “… too many clubs to name!” He returned as Sunday Reserves assistant manager to Mike Perk in 2005 and has devoted his energies to the team ever since. As a player, Phil’s most recent honour was a Division 4 league winners medal and cup runners-up medal in 2001 with the then Ashford Cavaliers manager Steve Mailey. His ambition is to be a part of the backroom team that sees the good times return to the Green and he feels he is playing his part by building a successful second team that last season won the Sheber Trophy. On a personal level, Phil is proud to have been rewarded by the club for his efforts by winning both Manager of the Year award and the prestigious Chairmans Award for Endeavour. Phil, who loves hard working, honest players and despises cheats, is a Charlton Athletic fan. Some favourites include Gazza’s autobiography as a good read, Match of the Day on TV, and Pirates of the Carribean on the big screen. Music – anything from Elvis to reggae; drink – anything alcoholic (he cheekily adds: “I had a good teacher as a boy in the Patron!”) Steak and kidney pudding is Phil’s favourite dish. Returning to football matters, Phil states “The club needs to be more proactive in bringing youngsters in”. This is difficult at present and is why we are preparing for a third team next season. There is no doubt that Phil has a deep yearning to have another go at managing at a later date but for now he is happy to take the role of Fixtures Secretary and be a part of the Executive. Perhaps, if we can be personal for a moment, he is inspired by the memory of his late father Ernie, a football devotee and former Green manager. Phil is aware of the responsibility on his shoulders and is determined to continue giving something back to the great game we all love. Final words to Phil: “I would like to thank the club for giving me my chance in football management. I hope to repay the faith shown in me by going on and being up there with the great managers of the past”. [Phil is pictured in July 2008 holding the Nicola Kingham Memorial Shield for Manager of the Year]

Editor’s update June 2010:

After winning the Division Two title on Sundays with the seconds, Phil has decided to have a break from team management to concentrate on his role on the Executive Committee as Fixtures Secretary and focus on his many responsibilities concerning the pitches. Phil was honoured with a Lifetime Service Award, presented by Cyril Windiate, at the 80th Anniversary Dinner on 25 June 2010.

2 Trent Thomas

Trent is one of those people all clubs need … willing to do what is best for the Green whenever or whatever the case may be. At present Trent is helping Ian Mace prepare for the season ahead with the Sunday Reserves but helps all managers as much as he can. At the end of his first season with us (2007-08)  he was a popular winner of the Chairmans Award for Endeavour while at the 80th Anniversary bash he was presented with an engraved photo frame as a small thank you for his work with our club. Born in Willesborough Hospital during May 1960, Trent was formerly with Ashford Town as chairman of their Youth Section but he has quickly become part of the Green family and enjoys both the serious and social sides of the club. A part of the backroom team that won the Sheber Cup in 2008-9, West Ham supporter Trent simply wants to be involved and help the club succeed. When relaxing away from the game, Trent loves his gardening and is a dab hand at DIY. Dislikes are 5am and sand! Trent’s favourite film is Schindler’s List and tops for TV is Only Fools and Horses. For music, Motown and Elvis are his favourites while Florida is Trent’s selection as best holiday destination. Preferred drink is a good old cup of tea and for eating out he loves curries. When asked what he would like to see the club do more of, Trent explains that he feels we must get back to being a force with the reintroduction of our youth policy. Happy to run the line these days, Trent summed up his feelings: “Once you join Bromley Green you feel as though you really belong. It’s got a unique atmosphere and my family all enjoy the social side of it which is so important”.

Editor’s update December 2011: Trent assisted Ian Mace with running the Sunday Reserves in Division One for the 2010-11 season but now devotes his time to Executive work in his official role as Maintenance Officer.

3 David Smith

Dave joined the Green as Saturday first team manager in July 2008 and, apart from a few remaining loyal stalwarts, had to rebuild the squad as a host of lads moved on to fresh challenges in the Ryman and Kent Leagues. Everyone is a free agent during the summer of course, but some players in fact made their exodus after they had, as individuals, endorsed Dave’s appointment. Aside from emphasising the fickleness of some who had enjoyed many good times, this left both the club and the manager in no doubt as to the size of the task ahead. It is important to mention these matters as our situation now needs to be assessed objectively and in context.

Fifty-year-old Dave was born locally and gained much respect as a player, in particular with our old friends and rivals Lydd Town, with whom he won six County League titles, three Weald of Kent Charity winners medals, the Les Leckie Cup on five occasions, plus the Kent Intermediate Shield. His other Saturday club was RHM but he did play one Saturday game for the Green Reserves many years ago [at Sandwich if memory serves me right]. On Sundays Dave played for Houchins, Market and Singleton, winning all of the major local trophies.

But it is as a manager that Dave wants to excel [he formerly managed Lydd Town and had a break before joining the Green] and, after achieving his target of steering the club back into the Premier of the County League, he hopes there is an opportunity to go even higher. Any lack of effort and Dave speaks strongly: “I am only interested in committed people; those that give 110% to all they do. I have no time for small minded and short sighted people who live on others”.

A Manchester United fan, Dave’s likes include reading James Patterson novels, the film Forest Gump and listening to Cold Play, Ska and Neil Diamond. Kenya is his preferred holiday spot; cider, lager and wine favourite drinks while an Indian meal or fish and chips come out top for food.

Dave likes a good old night out and feels the Green should do even more on the social side. And, despite our humble surroundings, he feels we should “…be proud of what we have”. Like us all, he is of the opinion that we must strive quickly to step up to the next level and continue to plan to redevelop. Commenting on football in general, Dave suggests there is a cap put on the salaries of the prima donnas in the professional game.

4 Richie Moore

Born in 1975, Richie hails from Sidcup and was raised in South East London (Woolwich). He is an avid West Ham fan who stewards at home games and frequently supports away from home.

A latecomer to football, he started to really play at secondary school level and found he had a natural talent for the game. At the age of 16 he joined the Royal Navy where he served for over 14 years. After leaving he has strived to run a Driving School and undertakes frequent HGV work.

During his Navy time, Richie managed to play football in many countries, always representing the first XI at every establishment or ship he served. His achievements during such time include a runner-up medal in the Navy Cup, Challenge Cup winner and Navy League winner, along with various weekend trophies.

At the age of 19 Richie was told to not play football again following a serious car crash but his determination and desire proved to be invaluable, as he went on to play 3 games a week (Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday), and only until last season was still playing vets football every Saturday. He started on the right wing, has played up front and even disciplined himself to play left wing with a foot as equal to his right. In recent years he has played central midfield. And whilst he can still stand on his legs, will get involved in the middle with training even if it does take 3 days to get over it!

Richie’s first taste of management came whilst working in London when selected to be MoD Army team manager, a first for a predominant Army team. Progressing on to obtain his Level 1 he has waited for an opportunity to be involved after settling down in a local area to proceed to gain Level 2 and then towards UEFA B.

Richie’s style of management is a mixture of old and new, he has an idea of what works but is not afraid to try new things, like his playing style he is very vocal. His belief is that organisation and talking are integral parts of football that reap their own benefits. He thinks it’s important to socialise and has no problem in making a fool of himself to make others laugh; he does have a tendency to rabble on a bit after a beer so be warned!

Richie has settled into Kent now as his parents and sisters live locally. He has a daughter called Megan who can often be seen around the club (keep an eye on your chocolate bars though) and he hopes to be a vital part of the club in time.

5 Ian Mace

[profile to follow if Ian wishes]

6 Trevor Strand

Profile awaited

7 Dave Homewood

Profile awaited

8 Tony Gawler

Details awaited

9 Andy Williams

Details awaited

10 Matt Barham

Profile awaited

11 Matt Coniam

Profile awaited