KOO LOOKS TO STEADY FLEET SHIP

AFTER enduring a turbulent summer, Fleet Town have looked to steady the ship by appointing former player Koo Dumbuya as their new first team Manager.

The 47-year-old, who has had previous coaching stints with the likes of Reading, Aldershot, Farnborough, Woking and AFC Wimbledon, replaces joint managers Martin Grey & Simon Haughney who left the club following the Blues’ unsuccessful appeal of their move to the Southern League West this summer.

The FA’s controversial decision to move Fleet from the Southern League East as a knock-on of Shaw Lane’s resignation, has led to the Blues losing much of their first-team squad and Dumbuya is perfectly aware of the unique challenge that awaits him.

The new Fleet boss said: “I am very excited about this new challenge particularly as I have a special affinity with Fleet Town from the time when I played for them in the early ‘noughties’

“We know it is not going to be easy because we are starting from scratch with players and preparation, but we are confident that come the start of the season we will be able to put out a competitive Southern League side.

“Our first aim will be to make sure that we stay away from the relegation zone and then see where that takes us.

The new Fleet boss will be assisted by Sam Waters, who like Dumbuya, has also represented the Blues in a playing capacity.

After hanging up his boots, the 29-year-old has taken up coaching positions within the academy structures at Aldershot, Southampton and Queens Park Rangers.