Michael East Appointed as New Team Manager

We are proud to announce Michael East as the new Team Manager! With over 7 years of coaching experience across grassroots, and semi-professional football, and a wealth of tactical knowledge, Michael is set to lead us into an exciting new chapter.

Michael’s passion for football runs deep, having been involved in the game from a young age and climbing the coaching ranks through hard work, innovation, and an impressive ability to inspire and develop players. His most recent managerial positions have demonstrated his leadership, adaptability, and drive to succeed in challenging environments.

Michael’s rise through the football world has been nothing short of impressive. Starting as a 1st Team Coach at Tring Athletic, he was instrumental in reshaping the team’s style and tactical approach, which resulted in a climb up the league standings. His impact didn’t go unnoticed, and he was quickly promoted to Assistant Manager, where he took on greater responsibility and began embedding younger players into senior football—a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.

From there, Michael’s journey took him to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos as the Development Team Manager. Tasked with building the team from the ground up, Michael and his coaching staff worked tirelessly to establish a squad that could compete at a high level. Despite limited resources, they achieved outstanding success, with 12 players transitioning into first-team regulars, and a thrilling last-day victory to claim the Suburban Central League title.

The following year, Michael was promoted to Joint Manager of Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. During his time, the team enjoyed strong campaigns in the FA Cup, FA Vase, and Berks and Bucks County Cup, and posted an impressive 40% win ratio. However, after only five months, the three-year project came to a sudden end.

Most recently, in 2023, Michael took on the role of Co-Manager at Chalfont St Peter, tasked with the singular objective of keeping the club in the league despite a difficult season. With the team sitting second from bottom, Michael led them to safety, securing their league status by a margin of five points. His ability to handle high-pressure situations and guide young, developing squads makes him the ideal leader for us.

Michael’s experience is complemented by the outstanding coaching team he’s assembled, each bringing their unique strengths and expertise:

🔹 Andrew Chapman (Chappy) – Known as the “glue” of the team, Chappy’s organisational skills and no-nonsense approach make him the perfect right-hand man. A former Step 5 defender, Chappy is renowned for his ability to build strong relationships with players while keeping everything running smoothly. He’s a key figure in ensuring the team remains connected and focused, both on and off the pitch.

🔹 Sam Day – Our resident analysis and data expert, Sam’s role will be vital in modernising our tactical preparation. Currently employed by both St. Albans and Watford Academy, Sam will handle video analysis, breaking down game footage to refine our tactics. While his schedule allows him to be with us midweek, his contribution will be game-changing, particularly when it comes to the use of VEO technology to analyse team performance.

🔹 Demaro Woodruffe – Demaro oversees our U18s and U23s teams and brings extensive experience in developing young talent. His expertise in strength and conditioning, as well as his focus on patterns of play, will play a major role in shaping the tactical approach of the first team. With his academy consistently producing players who climb the Non-League ladder, Demaro’s eye for talent and player development will be critical in ensuring the future success of the club.

🔹 Carlan Edgar – Head of U16s at Watford Academy, Carlan has a deep understanding of youth development and coaching. Michael has long wanted to work with Carlan, and his tactical knowledge and experience with elite young players will bring a fresh perspective to our coaching setup. His involvement further solidifies our commitment to player development and innovation on the field.

Under Michael’s leadership, we are poised to take on the remainder of the season with renewed energy and focus. The blend of experience, tactical insight, and youth development expertise within this coaching team offers a powerful combination that will help us compete at the highest level possible. With a proven track record of developing players and building resilient, competitive teams, Michael is ready to create something special here.

As we move into this new era, the club’s focus remains clear: to build a competitive squad, nurture young talent, and maintain the tight-knit community that makes us such a special club.

Join us in welcoming Michael East and his coaching team! Let’s get behind them and show our support as they lead us forward.