Fareham announce new manager after Rix departure
By Connor Steel
FAREHAM TOWN have announced that they have appointed Simon Woods as their new manager after the ‘sacking’ of former boss Graham Rix last week; the club board deciding that a ‘fresh start’ was required for their upcoming 2024-25 campaign at Cams Alders after a frustrating ;ast year featuring multiple issues both on the pitch and behind the scenes.
Rix took over the role from Pete Stiles in August 2022 and is a well-known figure in local football; having been manager of Portsmouth (2001-2002) and further AFC Portchester (2013-2017). Before taking on this role at Cams Alders he was Shaun Gale’s assistant manager at Gosport Borough; the pair helping to stabilise the team through the Covid-19 years.
His appointment at Cams Alders caused a huge interest and he led the Creeksiders’ to ninth within the Wessex League Premier in his first season alongside good runs in the FA Cup / FA Vase in 2022-23. They did contest in the Portsmouth Senior Cup final at Fratton Park and were winning 1-0 against Horndean, who equalised and won the penalty shootout.
Similar cup runs in the FA Cup and FA Vase followed in the 2023-24 campaign that got off to a ‘fairly mixed start’; which was halted by ‘serious’ pitch problems that saw them postpone multiple matches at home. Eventually this team finished tenth after a good conclusion to the season despite having to play twelve games in April to fulifl their 38 league fixtures.
In addition to the frustrations regarding matches and constant home postponements forcing a loss in potential financial revenue, rumours started to emerge of players and colleagues being ‘unhappy’ due to Rix’s leadership. And last Friday (May 10) he was removed from the position as manager less than six days after losing 6-0 to Hamble Club in the RCC.
Rix has not yet made any comment on the departure and starts looking for a brand new manager role; his international and club experience at high level potentially helping to get a job through the off-season period. Assistant manager Matt Powell and Coach Marty Wallace also left their jobs at Fareham; both providing vital support and guidance to this team.
This vacant role has since been given to Simon Woods and their “former striker” has accepted this offer with immediate effect; Fareham announcing this in a statement on Facebook on Saturday afternoon (May 11). They thanked the former management team for their efforts and stated that the club look forward to “working with Simon over the coming years”.
Fareham have finally invited all of their fans to a ‘Supporters Meeting’ on May 15 (Wednesday), which will be held from 8pm at the V-Bar. They can meet their new management team, the Committee and players, who should all be involved.
PICTURED BY FAREHAM TOWN: Graham Rix was sacked by the Creekiders on Friday, thus ending two year tenure.
