Colbran returns as new manager

Former Chipstead, Redhill, Worthing and Horsham boss Simon Colbran was named as the successor to Darren Freeman at Ryman South Peacehaven & Telscombe on Thursday.

Colbran, pictured, was appointed at lunchtime after the Magpies moved swiftly to replace Freeman who stood down on Tuesday to take the helm at Lewes in the Ryman Premier.

Within hours of the appointment, officials at The Sports Park announced that head coach Tony Coade has also left the club to join Freeman at the Rooks.

Although Colbran has taken charge with immediate effect, a family illness means he will not take to the touchlines until the club’s away game at Molesey on Saturday 24 October. His first home game in charge will be on Wednesday 28 October when the East Sussex club entertains Dorking Wanderers.

Peacehaven & Telscombe F.C.

Peacehaven & Telscombe F.C.

Peacehaven & Telscombe’s vice chair Sue Norwood welcomed Colbran to the club in a statement announcing his arrival.

Norwood said: “All of us at the club are looking forward to working with Simon and progressing up the table to gain Peacehaven promotion to the Ryman Premier League. Simon has a good positive attitude and the drive to bring success to this football club.”

Colbran said: "I'm delighted to be taking over at Peacehaven. When I heard that Darren had left I was excited by the prospect of working at Peacehaven. I was born in Eastbourne and football is very close to my heart and I can't wait to get going."

Coade, who joined the club four years ago and worked alongside Shaun Saunders as head coach, began this season as manager/coach and was instrumental in bringing in former Brighton striker Freeman.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Peacehaven. I’ve made many good friends at the club and in many ways I’ll be sad to leave but now is the right time for me to move on. The new manager will want to bring in his own people and I don’t want to stand in his way.”

Norwood added: "Our best wishes go with Tony. Everyone at the club will be sad to see him leave but football is an ever revolving door. He has been a good servant to this football club and many footballers have benefited from working with him.”

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Where next?

Horlock named as new Chats boss Former Manchester City and Northern Ireland midfielder Kevin Horlock has been named as the new manager of Ryman South Chatham Town.
Wednesday's Ryman Premier action review There were three matches in the Ryman League Premier Division on Wednesday with all three producing away wins, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

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