Bromley Green FC

This section profiles the team managers and will be updated regularly as appropriate [scroll down to read about each manager]

1 Phil Wedge 2 Trent Thomas 3 David Smith 4 Steve Mailey 5 Ian Mace 6 Trevor Strand

1 Phil Wedge

Phil, a Gemini, was born in Plumstead, south east London in 1967 but has lived most of his life in Ashford. He currently has the challenging but unenviable role of managing both the Saturday and Sunday Reserve sides but this is a situation the club is looking to change as soon as possible as it impinges too severely on Phil’s working and family life. 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 carry on managing and to be successful; 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 update November 2009: With Ian Mace appointed as Saturday Reserves team manager, Phil reverts to running just the Sunday seconds

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 divides his time between helping Ian Mace and Steve as much as he can while at the end of his first season with us (2007-08)  he was a popular winner of the Chairmans Award for Endeavour. 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 last term, 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”.

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.

Forty-eight-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 his immediate ambition is to propel the club back into the Premier of the County League as soon as possible. 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 Steve Mailey [profile to follow if Steve wishes]

Steve is pictured with Vice President Terry Perk

Ian Mace who was appointed Saturday Reserves manager during November 2009

6 Trevor Strand

Details awaited…