Hornets skipper succeeds Colbran

Hornets skipper Gary Charman has been handed the chance to manage his hometown club in Ryman South.

Charman, pictured, was appointed as caretaker manager at the weekend following former manager Simon Colbran’s departure to take over at Sussex County League outfit Crowborough last Friday. The Hornets were beaten 2-0 at Sittingbourne on Saturday after Charman took charge and declared his interest in taking over the hot-seat at Gorings Mead permanently.

Charman has played 558 games and scored 156 goals in a prolific career for the club spanning 15 years. The 32-year-old is believed to be both the club's youngest manager and the first to have been born and raised in the town. It is not clear yet whether the midfielder will combine managing with continuing to play.

The Hornets are at home to Folkestone Invicta on Saturday and Horsham Chairman Kevin Borrett is looking forward to seeing Charman make his debut in the home dugout. Borret said: "I’m absolutely delighted that Gary has accepted the role of manager. CEO John Lines, club secretary Annie Raby and I will be working closely with him over the coming weeks and months to ensure his success in the role. This is a great step for the club, the town, and an example to all local youth footballers that dreams really do come true."

Horsham's President Frank King also expressed his pleasure at seeing Charman given a chance. "This is a historical moment for the club and, for me personally, one of my proudest," he told the County Times. "I’ve always hoped I would be around to see Gary as manager, and I am absolutely thrilled."

Charman’s predecessor Colbran took over at the Hornets in March 2012 and resigned citing business and travelling issues along with the growing demands of the part-time role.

Image courtesy of www.countytimes.co.uk