Gardner reshuffles his coaching team

Justin Gardner has reshuffled his backroom staff after the departure of Adam Flanagan from the Ryman North’s Millers a fortnight ago, replacing his former head coach with Mickey Leslie, writes Scott Hatley.

Leslie, most recently coach at Spartan South Midlands League outfit Hertford Town, has joined the Millers squad as assistant manager after Flanagan left to take the reins as joint manager at divisional rivals Brentwood Town.

Gardner, pictured, is backing his new number two as an ideal successor to Flanagan and said: "After the loss of Flanners I took my time to find a suitable replacement. He’s someone I know very well. Although I’ve never worked with him before, I've always played against sides he’s coached and he will bring a lot to the team."

In recent years Leslie has also had spells as coach at the likes of Potters Bar Town and Enfield Town. After having spent the last week or so with the Millers squad, Gardner is confident that Leslie will help take the club forward.

"Mickey is someone who is very experienced and has been involved in Non-League football for the best part of 20 years," said Gardner. "I’m always looking for people who can improve my team on as well as off the field and Mickey will certainly do that."

Gardner has also confirmed that Gbenga Sonuga has taken up a new playing and coaching role after returning to the club from Brentwood Town who he joined in the summer to be part of an all new coaching set-up at Mill Field.

Sonuga will oversee coaching the Millers defence and is available to play if required. On Tuesday he captained the side, playing the full 90 minutes in the Millers’ shock 2-1 Robert Dyas League Cup win over Billericay Town.

Gardner added: "Gbenga is just a lovely character to have around the dressing room. He loves it when he plays and as a player he is a fighter and a winner so we’re pleased to have him back at the club. Him and Mickey will be my coaching team going forward."