Dormer unveiled as new manager

18 May 2017 By David Watters

New Fleet Town manager Steve Dormer is promising to bring the good times back to the EVO-STIK League Southern club.

Named on Wednesday as the permanent successor to Craig Davis at Calthorpe Park, the new Fleet boss, pictured, left Guildford City to take the helm for the 2017-18 EVO-STIK League Southern Division One Central season.

Dormer, who will be assisted by experienced coaches Sam Rafique and Mark Whitely after caretaker manager and former assistant manager Craig Martin guided the Hampshire club to safety over the final weeks of the campaign, is looking forward to the challenge after stepping up from the Combined Counties League.

The former player and coach at a number of clubs including AFC Wimbledon, Southall, Yeading, Wealdstone and Spelthorne Sports told fans he couldn't wait to get started in a statement on the club's website.

Dormer said: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to manage Fleet Town Football Club and am excited at the task in hand. We’ve got an ambitious management team and we will be working hard to push the players with the aim of achieving the highest possible level of success for the club.”

Rafique is a fully qualified UEFA B coach licence while Whiteley has coached both youth and senior level football and is vastly experienced in the care and treatment of sports injuries. Both were most recently at Godalming Town and prior to that shared many successes at local rivals Camberley Town.

Fleet chairman Chris Arnold backed Dormer and his coaching team to build on their 14th-placed finish to the 2016-17 season in the statement announcing the trio's appointment.

He said: “Steve and his team bring with them exactly the experience and ambition that we’re looking for to drive Fleet Town Football Club forward and we’re delighted to welcome them to the club.

“Furthermore, they’re well connected with the local football community and we’re looking forward to them using their knowledge and expertise to build on our existing squad as well as focusing on bringing youth players through.”

Former AFC Totton and Bashley midfielder Davis left in April after six years at the helm to succeed to Ian Saunders at Winchester City. The player-boss had already agreed in principle to switch to the EVO-STIK League Southern's Division One South & West for the start of next season to work alongside Saunders as head coach.

Images courtesy of Fleet Town

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1

Where next?

League duo light up Wembley! Wembley's iconic arch is being lit up in the colours of AFC Totton and Hereford on Friday as the EVO-STIK League Southern clubs are honoured alongside all the others who've played at the stadium since it reopened!

First chance to meet new manager Paulton Rovers are inviting their fans to meet new manager John Rendell as he prepares for the 2017-18 EVO-STIK League Southern season.