Side install successor to trophy-winning Frew

Barkingside chairman Jimmy Flanagan has handed Gus Gulfer the job of replacing Matt Frew at the Ryman North's Sky Blues, one of the most successful managers in the Ryman North club's history.

Gulfer, the father of former 'Side captain Matt Gulfer, enjoyed a playing career at a host of Ryman League sides, including Cray Wanderers, Harlow Town and Thamesmead Town over a fifteen-year period. He has brought in Marvin Samuels as his assistant and Micky Leslie as a first team coach.

In the statement announcing his appointment, club officials said Gulfer was keen to retain all of the club's current crop of players and existing coaches led by John Langton, Mel Ramsey and first team goalkeeping coach Chris Clark.

Gulfer saw the club's U21s in action on Wednesday night when they took on Waltham Abbey and after meeting a number of fans, players and officials at the game, a club spokesman said he couldn't wait to get started.

He said: "He is very enthusiastic about the challenge ahead of him and is also looking for Danny Lee's under-21 side to play a vital role in the club's future too."

Flanagan is pictured with Frew, who guided the 'Side to promotion into the Ryman League as Essex Senior League runners-up in 2012-13 and secured safety last season after four years at the helm. Frew resigned last weekend in the wake of the club's third from bottom finish to the campaign.

Image courtesy of Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO

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