Category Archives: 1st Team

DAN PERRY JOINS WASPS

We’re pleased to announce the arrival of experienced striker Dan Perry, the first signing by our new management team of Grant Hearn and Andy Willis.

Dan has a prolific goalscoring record at Step 4 level, notably for Burgess Hill for whom he scored 74 goals in the past three seasons before joining Three Bridges. He is a former Isthmian League golden boot winner.

Dan has also played for Eastbourne Town, Saltdean, Haywards Heath, Lewes, Crowborough and Forest Row.

Joint-manager Andy Willis said: “We’re delighted to make Dan our first signing since coming to the club. He is ready for a new challenge and is looking forward to helping us climb the table.”

HEARN AND WILLIS APPOINTED NEW FIRST-TEAM MANAGERS

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Grant Hearn and Andy Willis as our new joint first-team managers.

They join us from Forest Row FC, whom they guided to second place in the Southern Combination League after leading them to promotion last season.

Both are familiar figures at the Vistavis Community Stadium. Grant made more than 100 first-team appearances for the Wasps, and both have served on the club’s management committee.

Grant said: “East Grinstead has been my home since 2002, when I joined as a player. Over the years I’ve managed the third team in the Mid Sussex League, then moved onto the reserves, U21s and U23s and was first-team assistant manager.

“I’ve been on the committee, mowed the pitch, worked the turnstiles and served behind the bar. The club holds a special place in my heart. I live in East Grinstead, so I know and understand what the loyal supporters are looking for. Their backing is key to us achieving our goals this season.

“We know our job is a tough one but it’s a challenge we are looking forward to. It’s an honour and a privilege for Andy and I to become managers of this great club, and we will do everything we can to take the club forward.”

Chairman Richard Tramontin said: “We are delighted to welcome back Grant and Andy to the club and are really excited about what they can achieve together.

“They already know our club inside out so have a strong affinity with the Wasps. We have worked for the last 12 seasons to establish ourselves as a Step 4 club and we want to remain at this level and believe Andy and Grant can help us achieve that.

“Our obvious short-term objective is to stay in the Isthmian League and to build from there.”

“Andy watched last night’s game at Faversham, and he and Grant will be together in the dugout on Saturday when we play Sheppey United. I’m sure our supporters will get behind them and wish them every success.”

Coaching Staff Update

Following the resignation of first-team manager Drew Cooney on Saturday, the club can confirm that Drew’s coaching staff Ian Nicholls, Steve Sargent, Matt Wheeler, Cameron Finlay and Carl Pennifold have also left the club. We would like to thank Ian, Steve, Matt, Cameron and Carl for their hard work and commitment during their time at the club. We wish them every success going forward and we hope to see them again at the Vistavis Stadium in the future.

For tonight’s game at Faversham our U18s manager Lewis McDonnell and senior player Tom Cadman will take the team.

A further update will follow before Saturday’s game against Sheppey United.