Colbran has his new chairman's backing

Chipstead chairman Mick Ford reckons Simon Colbran will prove to be the ideal successor to former manager Steve Baker.

Baker left the High Road last week to take charge at Harrow Borough in the Ryman Premier, prompting Ford to turn to Colbran, pictured, who was looking to return to the touchline after managing Horsham, Worthing and Redhill in Ryman South previously.

The 44-year-old was also player-coach at Sussex County League Crowbrough Athletic and a first team coach at Conference South Eastbourne Borough – a club he also played for towards the end of a playing career that saw him turn out for Brighton, Gillingham and Crystal Palace before moving into Non-League at Hastings United, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge Angels.

Colbran, who lives and works in Tunbridge Wells where he has been working behind the scenes this season, brought in former Rye manager Scott Price as his assistant following his appointment at the NRT Stadium on Tuesday.

According to Chips chairman Ford, Colbran's won their vote after impressing the club's committee with his experience, enthusiasm and knowledge.

Colbran takes charge for the first time on Saturday at Whitstable Town and Ford told the Surrey Mirror: "I’m really happy to have got Simon, I didn’t want to be looking through CVs for ages; I knew what I wanted. And if he’s as successful as Steve was then we will be over the moon.

"Simon is a very experienced manager and did a great job to get Worthing into the play-offs. He is a football man and wants to be involved and when I spoke to him, he said all the right things. I think his appointment is a good move for us and a good move for him."

Image courtesy of www.thedistrictpost.co.uk

Follow us: @rymanleaguenews on Twitter | Ryman League group on Facebook