All change at the top for the Sparks
Rob Kember departs, Josh Gallagher arrives at South Park Reigate
South Park Reigate have had rather a busy few days, announcing a managerial departure and a managerial arrival.
First the Sparks announced the resignation of Rob Kember. Rob took over in November of 2024, and he and his management team leave their side in thirteenth place in Pitching In Isthmian South East, their six competitive matches so far this season having brought two wins and three defeats. They finished tenth in Pitching In Isthmian South Central last season, fifteenth in 24-25.
Rob was previously in charge at Chipstead, from where he departed at the end of the 22-23 season. He had held the top job at the Chips for four years prior to his resignation, and his side equalled the Chips highest ever Isthmian finish in 21-22. He was previously a fine footballer with Bromley and Crawley Town.
The new man in the dugout is Josh Gallagher. You'll remember Josh from his time in charge of Raynes Park Vale.
Josh took the top job at Vale midway through 2021, his first managerial job after a playing career that included South Park, Chipstead and Leatherhead. In his first season his side finished third in Combined Counties Premier, and the following campaign saw them storm to the title, amassing ninety nine points and scoring one hundred goals.
Their first Pitching In Isthmian South Central campaign saw them finish in sixth place, and he departed the club in January 2025 with them in tenth, seven points away from the top five albeit with games in hand.
He went on to manage Chertsey Town, and has recently been first team coach at Combined Counties Premier side Knaphill.
The Sparks were scheduled to take on Ascot United this evening in the Velocity Cup, but the Yellas instead have FA Cup Replay action to look forward too. Gallagher's first match, therefore, will see him take his new side to Margate on Saturday.