FOLLOWING the resignation of last season’s boss Russell Dodds and assistant Dave Stringer, Highgate United have been quick to appoint Stuart Grosvenor and Craig Woodley as joint first team managers along with assistant Kirk Smith for the forthcoming shortened 2020/21 campaign.
In the new Midland Football League season, the Premier Division will now be comprised of 19 teams following the departure of South Normanton Athletic to join the Central Midlands Football League.
Grosvenor has vast experience managing at this level of football having spent six seasons as boss of Boldmere St Michaels whilst Woodley has previously coached at the Coppice as number two to former Highgate manager Ashley Pulisciano, as well as holding positions higher up the pyramid.
Smith – a former Mikes player – was part of the management team during Grosvenor’s tenure with Boldmere and brings additional coaching experience to the new set-up.
With just Trevor Edwards, Nathan Pulisiciano, Corey Currithers, Alex Price, Lei Brown, Conor Doyle and club captain Sam Oji retained from last season’s squad, the Gate team is likely to have a new look when the forthcoming campaign starts on September 1.
Spectators are now allowed at this level of football subject to strict social distancing conditions and restrictions.
The trio’s first competitive game in charge will be a home FA Cup extra preliminary round tie against West Midlands Regional League side AFC Bridgnorth on Tuesday, September 1 (7.45pm).
The winners will be away on September 12 (3pm) to either local team Chelmsley Town or Shifnal Town.
On September 19 (3pm), in the FA Vase first qualifying round, Gate will play host to Herefordshire outfit Wellington FC.
Whoever is successful will then entertain either Racing Club Warwick or Hereford Pegasus in the second qualifying round on October 10.
There will be no replays and if necessary the matches will be decided in extra-time or on penalties.
The MFL commences on September 5 (3pm) with the visit of AFC Wulfrunians, with the long haul to face Shrewsbury-based Haughmond scheduled for Tuesday, September 8 (7.45pm).
The only other known fixture is that Sporting Khalsa will visit the Coppice on Tuesday, September 15 (7.45pm).
Highgate United are pictured attacking in Saturday’s 2-2 friendly draw at Redditch United. Picture: Manjit Narotra/MSN Images.
