Stotfold FC appoints 'iconic and prolific goal scorer' as new First Team manager

Stotfold FC is pleased to confirm the appointment of Brett Donnelly as First Team Manager, following the resignation of Luke Gregson due to work and family commitments.

Brett will officially take the position after the final post season friendly (opponents tbc) on May 8.

Stotfold FC chairman, Phil Pateman, said: "The club were fortunate to receive an impressive number of candidates which serves to demonstrate the potential we and others believe the club has going forward.

"Having completed interviews we concluded that Brett was the candidate best placed to build on the work done to date.

"Brett is considered by many to be one of the most iconic and prolific goal scorers in local non-league football in a playing career spanning 20 years. He was pivotal member of our 2008 team that swept the board winning both the UCL Premier League and Cup, and notably the Beds Senior Cup."

Brett has played for a number of local clubs, including the National League Step 3 Biggleswade Town and Hitchin, where he moved into coaching and managerial roles.

He became assistant manager to Lee Allinson at Biggleswade before taking up the position of Head Coach at Hitchin Town under Mark Burke in 2019.

Stotfold FC describes Brett's experience and knowledge of local players as being "invaluable".

Meanwhile, joining Brett’s management team as assistant managers are UEFA B licence and FA Coach mentor Eddie McLoughlin, and Paul Donnelly.

Mr Pateman said: "Eddie leaves his assistant manager post at Hendon after successful coaching spells with Hertford and Biggleswade Town.

"Paul is a familiar and popular face at Stotfold. Also a member of the 2008 team, Paul managed our development side and worked for several seasons with our Juniors before taking a coaching role at Letchworth GC Eagles where they were denied promotion to the SSML due to ground grading regulations."

Brett has also restructured the development management team, and Jon Little, who already manages the Southern Counties U18 Floodlight side, is taking the reins.

Mr Pateman added: "Another who has a UEFA B licence, Jon’s playing career was curtailed by injury. He turned to coaching where he has been hugely successful, not only through Stotfold Juniors, but at Cambridge United, the Bedfordshire County side and more recently Bedford Schools where he took them to the National final.

"His number 2 is Sean Lyness who previously teamed up with Paul at LGE and Stotfold Juniors. Jon’s U18 coach Darren Clarke completes the management team. They are tasked to blend experience with raw talent, bridging the gap between youth and senior football hopefully into the first team."

"Alas a change of management often results in some people leaving for ventures new. Hopefully not too many. SFC would like to thank those doing so for their contribution over their period of stay. We wish you good luck and look forward to seeing you all at some point in the future."