Newhaven FC is delighted to announce that Tony Coade will be joining the club as First Team coach ahead of the 2023/24 season.
‘Codge’ will form part of co-manager’s Sean Beach and Andy Cook’s backroom staff alongside Graham Roe, Ryan Walton and Kevin Woods.
Armed with a wealth of coaching and managerial experience gained at a plethora of clubs across Sussex – including spells in the Isthmian League with Lewes and Whitehawk – Coade is itching to get going in his new role.
“I’ve been out of the game for about a year and can’t wait for pre-season to start,” he enthuses. “I’m really excited to start working with the talented group of players that we’ve got down here, and offering all of my experience to Breachy and Cooky.”
Codge is adamant that this will be the last coaching role he takes up, and that it’s at Newhaven holds extra significance him.
“Newhaven was the first team I played for when I returned from Italy [where he played for Serie C side Pro Palazzonlo] back in 1989,” Coade explains. “So to finish my coaching career here, at a club that is intent on doing things the right way, is special for me.”
It goes without saying that both first-team managers are buzzing to have the benefit of Coade’s wisdom and experience alongside them this season.
“I’m thrilled we are able to announce Codge as our new coach and delighted to have him join us,” says Breach. “He’s a brilliant personality to have around, one of the best coaches in Sussex and knows the club very well.
“He joins myself, Cooky, Roey, Walts and Kev – all Newhaven lads and people with a big affection and long affiliation to the club. It was a really easy decision for us to ask him and we are delighted he’s agreed to join.
“Personally, I’ve worked under Codge a few times and, for me, not only is he the best coach I’ve played under and been around, but he’s also one of the people in football who I respect the most.
“We are all looking forward to working with him and I am sure the players will love what he brings to us.”
Breach’s sentiments are strongly echoed by Cook.
“It’s great to have Tony on board,” he says. “When it was first mentioned as a possibility me and Breachy had no hesitation in wanting him to join us.
“To have someone of Codge’s experience in with us is going to be such a valuable asset.
“On and off the pitch he is a top man and someone me and Breachy have known for many, many years. His knowledge of the game is unquestionable and if we can draw on his time at Whitehawk, Lewes and Peacehaven and numerous other places as a manager, coach and player then we will be all the better for it
“We are all really looking forward to working with Tony and can’t wait to get going in pre-season.” Welcome [back] to Fort Road Codge!
