NEW RESERVE TEAM MANAGER ANNOUNCED

New Reserve Team Manager James Bowen

After 711 games as Manager of the First Team and more recently the Reserves, Pete Ford has decided it is time to hang up his tactics board and will not be in charge of the Reserves next season.

The Club are pleased to announce that James Bowen will take the position of Reserve Team manager for the 2025/26 season but will assume duties with immediate affect.

Pete will focus on his role as Club Chairman.

On the appointment of James Bowen for next season, Pete said.

"I am delighted that James Bowen has agreed to assume the role of Reserves Manager. James is unfortunately no longer able to play due to injury. On behalf of the Committee, we wish James the best of luck for his new role and will support him as much as possible as he gets accustomed to football team management."

Pete Ford assumed the role as First Team Player Manager in the early 1990s then continued as Manager in 2001 after retiring from playing regularly. Pete led the First Team to numerous promotions and Cup Finals and was instrumental in the side achieving Premier Division status in the Mid-Sussex Football League. Pete has signed off his management career at Rotherfield with a historic promotion season with the Reserves.

Rotherfield FC are also delighted to confirm that the First Team Management Team of Wayne Clarke, Alex Watts and Calum Ridley have all agreed to continue for the 2025/26 season.