Berks County FC managers to stay as club rewarded with promotion

BERKS County FC first-team managers Lee Simpson and Ellis Woods have reversed their decision and will now stay with the club ahead of their new challenge.

The joint management duo had announced last week that they would be stepping down after five years with the Swords, however the club has announced today that they will now be staying on.

County will be playing in the Combined Counties Premier North Division next season.

A statement from the club reads: “On Friday, May 17 the FA announced that Berks County FC have been promoted to Combined Counties Football League Premier Division North (Step Five).

“This was due to some clubs finishing at the bottom of Step Five (not being able to continue).

“As the losing playoff finalists on a points per game basis, we were given their place. As a club we are so proud to get promoted and want to thank all the Players, Management Team, Volunteers and our supporters who have all made this happen in such a short amount of time.

“On Tuesday last week, prior to the announcement, Lee and Ellis, our management duo had decided after five years at the club and linked to not being promoted, their passion was waning, and it was time to take a step back to recuperate.

“However, less than three days later the landscape changed, and they felt step five football would reignite their spark.

“They both requested if they could return to their roles to take on this new and exciting challenge.

“At Berks County we aim to be a club that puts our players, members and volunteers at the centre of all our decision making.

“Lee and Ellis have been truly fantastic for the club and their commitment towards building a successful team could never be faulted. We therefore want to show our loyalty to them both and are delighted to have them continue in their roles for the 2024/25 season.

“The challenge of Step 5 football will be a big one and everyone at the club is excited for the season ahead.

“Lee and Ellis are going to need additional support and are currently working on a plan to secure additional talent to help across all aspects of the team.

“Welcome back to Lee and Ellis after the shortest retirements in football.”