WINGATE & FINCHLEY have moved quickly to appoint Keith Rowland as their new manager, replacing Simon Lane who left on Sunday.
Rowland had a vast playing career, turning out for Bournemouth, Coventry City, West Ham United, QPR, Luton Town, Chesterfield, Barnet, Hornchurch, Redbridge and Welling United. He also received 19 caps for Northern Ireland.
He’s been key in the rise of Braintree Town into a Vanarama National League mainstay – assisting ex-bosses Rod Stringer and Alan Devonshire.
He left the Iron in the summer alongside Devonshire but is now back in football and will be the main man at the Ryman Premier Blues.
The club are just three points off the play-off places but Lane left after a meeting with chairman Aron Sharpe on Sunday.
Sharpe said: “Keith is someone who interested me since he was Rod’s assistant at Aveley. I am more than surprised that he was available as he should be coaching at a much higher level with his CV and his ability.
“My job here is to look after the best interests of the club and ensure that we continue to punch above our weight. I believe that we have made an appointment that will benefit the club and I look forward to working with Keith as do all of the directors and members.”