Erith & Belvedere Confirm New Management Team as Deres Hit Summit

Erith & Belvedere have confirmed the appointment of Sam Groombridge as First Team Manager, following a successful spell in interim charge that has seen the club climb to the top of the Premier Division table.

Groombridge, 37, stepped in after the departure of joint-managers Billy Hamlin and Jamie Phipps earlier in the season, and has since overseen an impressive run of results including victories over Faversham Strike Force, Corinthian, Sutton Athletic, Kennington and most recently Stansfeld. His leadership has helped the Deres hit the summit of the SCEFL Premier Division and sparked talk of a promotion push.

Chairman Paul Springett expressed his delight at the appointment:

“Sam is someone I have had the privilege to play alongside and win a league title with in a Deres shirt. He is a methodical thinker, passionate about the game, and embodies everything we want at the club.”

Groombridge will be supported by a strong backroom team, with former professional striker Gary Alexander joining as Director of Football. Alexander, whose previous management roles include Crawley Town, Greenwich Borough, Ashford United, Glebe and Cray Wanderers, will take a lead on coaching, recruitment, and providing a platform for coaches across the club.

Also joining the set-up is Billy French, who takes on a player-coach role, while Craig Boyle steps up from managing the U14s to become First Team Coach. Peter Springett continues his work as Goalkeeper Coach, as well as leading the club’s U18s and U23s.

Speaking on his permanent appointment, Groombridge made clear his ambitions:

“I believe in this squad, and I’ve made no secret of my promotion aspirations. We’ve built strong momentum, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward with this group.”

With stability now restored and an experienced management team in place, Erith & Belvedere will look to maintain their position at the top and mount a serious challenge for promotion this season.