Andy Woodman leaves Bromley after difficult start to life in League One

Bromley have parted company with Andy Woodman after a difficult start to life in League One, bringing an end to his five-and-a-half-year spell in charge.

The 55-year-old’s departure was confirmed on Thursday following the mutual termination of his contract.

The decision comes after a difficult opening to Bromley’s first-ever third tier campaign, with the club sitting 23rd after winning just two of their opening 10 league matches.

Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat at Leicester City was their third successive loss in the league and fifth in all competitions.

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New chapter

They have also conceded 25 goals – more than any other side in the EFL.

Bromley are just one point above bottom club Wigan Athletic, with Peterborough United due to visit Hayes Lane on Saturday.

Owner and chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves paid tribute to Woodman’s role in transforming the club.

“I would firstly like to offer my sincere thanks to Andy for all he has achieved during his time with us,” he said. 

“It’s no surprise that this club has reached new heights and Andy has been fundamental in helping us achieve that.

“I would like to reassure our supporters that we will be entering this new chapter with the same ambition and determination to keep moving this football club forward.

“On a personal note, Andy has been a pleasure to work with, and I wish him all the best for the future.” 

Remarkable rise

Woodman leaves having overseen a remarkable rise since joining the club in 2021.

He guided the Ravens to maiden FA Trophy glory in his first full season in charge, before securing promotion to the Football League by winning the National League play-off final against Solihull Moors two years later – a landmark achievement in the club’s 132-year history.

Bromley followed those successes by winning the League Two title this year, earning Woodman the division’s manager of the year award for 2025-26.

Under Woodman, the club also enjoyed their best-ever FA Cup run, reaching the third round and taking on Premier League opposition for the first time when they faced Newcastle United.

He spent five years and seven months in charge of Bromley, the third-longest managerial tenure across the Premier League and EFL, behind Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Mansfield Town’s Nigel Clough.

Kevin Blackwell takes interim charge at Crawley Town

The former Arsenal goalkeeping coach enjoyed a 17-year playing career between the sticks as well before moving into management.

Assistant manager Byron Webster will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis while the club search for a permanent replacement.

Elsewhere, there has been a managerial exit in League Two as Crawley Town have appointed former Leeds United and Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell as interim head coach.

The 67-year-old takes charge of the division’s bottom club following Colin Kazim-Richards’ departure on Wednesday after a 3-2 defeat to Shrewsbury Town the previous day.

Blackwell will be joined by assistant coach Jordan Tait, with the pair taking charge ahead of Saturday’s home fixture against Tranmere Rovers.

The club say their search for a permanent successor is at an advanced stage, with preferred candidates identified as they look to turn around their poor start to the season after just one win in 10 and seven defeats.

Blackwell has not managed in England since leaving Bury in October 2013.

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