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Woodhurst legend, Mike Kelleher, currently living in the USA, looks back on a long line of 'Hurst legends, starting with the managers...
Bill Kelleher (1988-95)
The Club's first ever Manager was also its fo Bill lead the team to four successive promotions between 1991 and 1995 including the Forest District League Division 4 Championship in 1993, the Club's first honour. However prior to this success Bill's main concern was simply fielding eleven players, as it is today. Unusually for a modern day manager left team selection to his players, tactics were simple but effective. Took a move "upstairs" at the end of the 1994-95 season to concentrate on pigeon racing and now holds the position of Club Chairman.
Mike Kelleher (1995-97)
Returned to Woodhurst after a three year absence in 1995 to be thrust into the thankless task of player/manager at the inexperienced age of 22. Following his father's success on the field was always going to be a difficult task and his two years in charge were years of consolidation and rebuilding with many of Woodhurst's former players now moved on. Some considered his tactics and introduction of wing-backs to be years ahead of their time. Mike stood down as Manager at the end of the 1996-97 season but continued as a player and Club Secretary until his move to Miami in the summer of 2001.
Paul Parris (1997-99)
POPS made his debut as a Woodhurst player in 1991 and was very much a part of the Club's early successes, his leadership skills on the field made him an obvious choice as manager. Enjoyed promotion to the Forest District Premier Division in his first season as well as two Essex Cup area final appearances. Will best be remembered for his colourful team talks when references to salt and pepper pots were the norm. After two years in charge found the pressures of the Forest District's top flight too much too handle and moved to Chicago where he presently resides selling salt and pepper pots.
Darren Venn (1999-2000)
Spent two years as a Woodhurst player but will best be remembered for his one season in charge, a season many consider set the standard for the modern day Woodhurst team. Lead his troops to an undefeated League championship as well as the Club's first ever Cup Final appearance won in emphatic style 5-1. Was also manager of Woodhurst's first match in Europe against a Slavia Prague XI. Like his two predecessors Darren now resides overseas, in Vicenza, Italy.
Jimmy Woodham (2000-present day)
Woodhurst continued their tradition of promoting from within by appointing its most celebrated player as Manager at the start of the 2000-01 season. Jimmy first pulled on a Woodhurst shirt as a fresh faced 16 year old in 1988 and was the first player to play 100, 200 and 300 games for the club. Was made Club captain in 1990 and is one of only three players to score over 100 goals. Buffalo would agree he is still "cutting his teeth" as a manager but results speak for themselves, League Champions in his first season and an unprecedented treble in his second year in charge make him Woodhurst's most successful manager to date.
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