Former Portsmouth and Millwall boss and ex-Bradford and Leicester man ends eight-month absence to return to management
A former Pompey and Millwall boss is back in non-league management after an eight-month absence.
Now Steve Claridge has been challenged to lead ambitious Fleetlands out of Wessex Division 1.
It represents an impressive coup by chairman Iain Sellstrom, who originally tempted the much-travelled former striker to Powder Monkey Park in May.
At the time, upon announcing his arrival, the club declared ‘Steve’s role will be defined over the coming weeks’.
It has now been officially clarified that Claridge is Fleetlands’ new first-team manager, filling the vacancy created by Dan Greenwood’s post-season departure.
On Friday, a Tweet on the club’s official account said: ‘For the avoidance of doubt, Steve Claridge is the first team manager and will be taking charge of the side for 2023-24 season. The legend is a Copterman’.
Claridge had been out of management since dismissed by Southern League Premier South club Salisbury in October 2022.
He had spent more than seven years with the Wiltshire club, winning the Wessex Premier title during his long stint in charge.
The 57-year-old began his managerial career as player-boss at Fratton Park, stepping up from a popular player to replace Tony Pulis in October 2000.
In a second playing spell with the Blues, having been released as an apprentice in February 1984, Claridge scored 37 goals in 124 appearances, while claimed The News/Sports Mail’s Player Of The Season in consecutive years.
However, he would spend just 137 days in charge before owner Milan Mandaric demonstrated customary impatience to yet again wield the axe.
Claridge won five and lost eight of his 23 matches in charge, while making just one signing in Jamie Vincent, before surprisingly replaced by Graham Rix in February 2001.
He later managed Weymouth and, very briefly, Millwall, before resuming his playing career with Gillingham, Bradford, Walsall, Bournemouth, Worthing, Harrow, Weymouth and Gosport.
Fleetwood finished eighth in Wessex Division 1 last term having been promoted from the Hampshire Premier League the previous campaign.
Sellstrom has already stated the minimum they want from next season is to reach the play-offs – and it will be a challenge Claridge will no doubt relish.
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Championship news: Millwall and Leicester City target players, Sunderland secure striker deal
Bristol City have been busy recently bolstering their squad as they prepare for next season. The Robins have signed Ross McCrorie, Rob Dickie and Haydon Roberts.
They finished 14th in the table last term. Here is a look at some of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the Championship at the moment…
Leicester City target winger
Leicester City are reportedly interested in Colorado Rapids winger Jonathan Lewis as they look to bounce back from relegation from the Premier League. Football Insider suggest they are keen on the MLS star now the new window is open for business. The USA international, who has eight caps under his belt so far in his career, had a spell in England in 2015 at Bradford City.
Millwall want midfielder
Millwall are apparently targeting a swoop for Blackburn Rovers midfielder Lewis Travis, as reported by reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon. The 25-year-old has been on the books at Ewood Park since moving to the Lancashire side as a youngster from Liverpool back in 2014. He has since made 201 appearances in all competitions and has chipped in with six goals.
Sunderland land striker
Sunderland have signed striker Luís Hemir Silva Semedo from Benfica for an undisclosed fee on a five-year deal. The 19-year-old has scored 28 goals in 61 appearances for his former club’s B team over the past two campaigns.
After sealing a switch to the Stadium of Light, he said: “This is a big move for me and I am very excited to be here. Sunderland AFC have a lot of young players playing an important part in the team and I think this will be really good for my personal development. I’m excited to meet my new team mates, see the stadium and experience the fans.”
