When two become one

Badshot Lea yesterday announced that their managerial duo of Dave Ford and Gave Smith will henceforth just be Gav Smith, as Dave Ford steps down from the role with immediate effect.

Dave started his Baggies career more than twenty years ago, looking after the Under Seven side, and progressed through the age ranges up until he reached the Under 18's. He also spent some time as first team boss before returning to the role as joint-manager alongside Gav in December 2018. The duo saw what should have been their two first full seasons abandoned due to the pandemic, but emerged all the stronger, steering their side to fifth in the Combined Counties Premier in 21-22 and then to second- and promotion- last season.

He leaves with his side in fourteenth place in Pitching In Isthmian South Central, and through to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy- a first campaign at Step Four, and a first season in the Trophy going rather well.

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.