Bromley have today announced that First Team Manager Neil Smith has been relieved of his duties.

The club has issued the following statement:
 

Bromley Football Club can today confirm that Neil Smith has been relieved of his duties as First Team manager.

Neil, who recently took charge of his 225th Bromley game, parted ways with the Club this morning following discussions with owner and chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves.

Stanton-Gleaves commented, “This has been a difficult decision to make and one that has not been taken lightly. Having continued to review First Team performances and developments over an extended period of time, I now believe a change in leadership is required for us to progress further on our journey.”

“Neil has undoubtedly played an integral part in pushing the Club forward both on and off the pitch. He has given Academy scholars First Team opportunities and his work within our community on bringing players and supporters closer together has been invaluable. I know supporters will never forget him guiding us to an appearance at Wembley Stadium for the first time since 1949, in an FA Trophy Final.”

“He has had my full respect and support during my Chairmanship and I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Bromley Football Club to place on record our sincere thanks to Neil for all the work he has done during his near decade with the Club and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Following four years as the Club’s assistant manager, Neil took interim charge at Hayes Lane in February 2016 before being named First Team Manager in April of that year.  

Since then, Neil has led Bromley to finishes of 10th, 9th and 12th before a curtailed end to the 2019/20 season saw the Ravens finish 13th in the Vanarama National League based on PPG.

However, the Club’s ultimate ambition remains to reach the Football League and the search for a new First Team manager will begin immediately, with a view to having a new manager in place in a timely manner.

The Club will update supporters on an interim replacement in due course, as well as once a permanent appointment has been made.