SWANS ANNOUNCE NEW FIRST TEAM ASSISTANT MANAGER

Slimbridge AFC are delighted to announce that former player Tom Speers has rejoined the club, as Assistant Manager to Lee Driver-Dickerson, following the departure of Alex Lumsden. 

Chairman Barry Gay said ‘Firstly, I want to put on record that Alex has done a superb job with Lee, achieving the highest ever league position in the club’s history. Everyone at Thornhill Park wishes Alex all the very best in his new career move. I am personally delighted to announce the appointment of our ex-player Tom Speers to become first team Assistant Manager and Coach.’ 

Speers said ‘I cannot wait for the new season to start at my new role at Slimbridge. I loved every second at the club as a player, and can’t wait to get going alongside Lee. My aim is to continue pushing up the league and building on last year’s best ever finish.' 

Manager Lee Driver-Dickerson is equally as enthusiastic about the appointment – ‘I’m really pleased he’s on board – he approached me a couple of months ago, and I was really impressed with his love for football, and especially for Slimbridge. He’s passionate and loves the game, and he absolutely loves Slimbridge – he has a wealth of experience coaching, he’s got the badges and I know that he’s the right guy for the job. I can’t wait for us to start working together.’

After coming to the attention of the club when he played for North Leigh Reserves in the Hellenic League West during a 3-0 home defeat to the Swans in April 2010, Speers made his Slimbridge debut in a 1-1 draw at Wokingham and Emmbrook on 14th August 2010. His commitment and whole hearted attitude meant that he quickly went on to establish himself as a fans favourite, and was a highly respected member of the squad. He played 87 games between 2010 and 2013, scoring 12 goals.  

After leaving the UK in 2013, Speers moved to Sydney, Australia where he worked for the AC Milan Academy under former Milan player Andrea Icardi. He then moved to Auckland, New Zealand and became Assistant Manager to former West Ham Player Malcolm McPherson at top flight Eastern Suburbs, They achieved a league and cup double in their first season assisted by Gloucester based players Brandon Barnes and former Swans’ teammate Micky Bryant.

Speers then moved into the Head Coach position at North Shore, New Zealand’s oldest club, where another Gloucestershire player (and another ex Slimbridge teammate) Ross Langworthy finished the season as top goalscorer. While in New Zealand, Speers obtained his OFA B Licence, which is the equivalent to UEFA B in the UK, and is looking to achieve his A Licence in due course. 

In other club news, the newly formed Reserve team are still waiting to find out which division of the Hellenic League they will be playing in. Manager Adam Coyle has appointed Shane Matthews as his Assistant for the new season, whenever that may be. Shane joins us from near neighbours Shortwood United. 

The Development side will be operating in the Bristol Combination League, and retain the Management team of Martin World and David Morgan.