The vacancy generated a number of excellent candidates, from whom the Executive Committee has selected NICKY FORSTER to be the Club’s 22nd post-war Manager, following the departure of Marcus Gayle at Christmas, and the short caretaker ship of Martyn Spong, whose work in difficult circumstances has been much appreciated.

There are no illusions as to the task ahead, but in Nicky, we believe we have appointed someone with the experience and knowledge to give us the best chance of improving our position.

Now aged 41, Nicky has been immersed in the game’s upper levels ever since signing his first professional playing contract with Gillingham in 1992. Two years later, he made the first of four six-figure transfers, this to Brentford, and he went on to play well over 100 times for The Bees, maintaining an excellent goal scoring record, as indeed he did throughout his playing career.

Two years with Birmingham City were followed by six years (and over 200 games) at Reading. In 2001, he almost single-handedly rescued Reading’s chances in the Play-Off Semi-Final, and in 2002/3 he scored 17 League goals including two hat-tricks. Season-long spells with Ipswich Town and Hull City (where he was Player of the year) followed, before Brighton & Hove Albion became the third League club for whom he clocked up over 100 appearances, many of them as Captain. He also had a short spell on loan at Charlton Athletic, but in 2010, he rejoined Brentford, and it was at Griffin Park that he gained his first managerial experience.

With 20 games of the 2010/11 season left, Nicky was appointed Caretaker Manager following the departure of Andy Scott, and he retained the position until the end of the season, picking up points at a rate of 1•97 per game, and taking them to Wembley for the Johnson’s Paints Trophy Final.

In September 2011, he was appointed Manager at Conference South club Dover Athletic, taking his inherited squad to 7th that season, and 3rd place by the time he left 18 months later, again having achieved a win ratio in excess of 45%.

Nicky has earned a UEFA ‘A’ Coaching Licence, and his appointment will, it is hoped, inspire our existing players, and the new men he will bring in, to improved levels of confidence, performance, and results.

Welcome to Wheatsheaf Park!