Bowers boss to depart at season end

After promotions, cup wins and famous FA Cup runs, Bowers & Pitsea manager Rob Small yesterday announced that this season would be his last at the Len Salmon helm.

To say that Rob had been a success at Bowers would be like saying that The Beatles made the occasional nice tune. From the moment he arrived at the club he steered it to heights never previously achieved. Second Place in the Essex Senior League and a cup win in his first season was followed by promotion to our ranks in his second- along with an FA Vase Semi-Final. First season consolidation was followed by second season play off defeat, and then third season promotion- promotion- and what a promotion, as his side clinched the North Division title by a country mile.

Since then we've had two Pitching In Isthmian Premier campaigns which were interrupted by covid, but still brought some incredibly memorable days- a four-nil win at Enfield Town, a seven-nil win over Brightlingsea Regent and another seven-nil triumph, over Leatherhead. This season perhaps capped it all, as Bowers progressed to the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time in their history, defeating Aldershot Town in the final Qualifying Round before going out of the competition after a narrow defeat at League One Lincoln City.

The fairytale may not yet be over. Next week Rob will lead out his side against Billericay Town in the Final of the Essex Senior Cup, and you wouldn't bet against his side picking up more silverware against the Blues.

Rob won't be departing alone. Gary Henty, Richard Bates, Joe Flowers and Wayne Franklin will also be leaving at the end of the season, leaving Bowers with many pairs of large shoes to fill.

The very best of luck to Bowers in that cup final, and to Gary and his management team. We're sure we'll see you all again soon!

Our image of Bowers at Lincoln City comes from the lens of Nashy Photo.

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