After 3 seasons as Development Team manager Cropredy FC are delighted to announce that Kieran Reading has agreed to become the clubs new manager, with Lee Waters moving up as Assistant Manager.

The club have moved quickly to appoint a new manager for next season and didn't have to look too far with the second side management stepping up to the hot-seat. A busy week for outgoing chairman Ryan Holmes, handing over the chairman duties to Lawrence O'Sullivan and appointing Reading and Waters “My final decisions as Cropredy chairman were certainly very important ones! It was imperative that I left solid foundations for someone to come in and drive the club forward.

From day one I felt Loz had a great vision and a work rate second to none, he has done a fantastic job over the past two seasons with us, as assistant manager to Sean Dineen and then taking over in the hot seat last season. I am delighted he staying, a vital role for the future and thank him for everything he has done for the club”

“When I sat down with Kizz 3 years ago we had a clear plan to create a Development side that could compete in the OSL, the past 3 seasons have seen that go from strength to strength. Winning the league and cup last season was a fantastic achievement and this season going all the way, but most importantly so many young players are now ready to step up and we have a pathway for the future. Bringing Lee on board added another dimension to the partnership and a huge parts of the devs success. I’m delighted both have agreed to step up to the first team management for next season, the club is in great hands with Loz, Kizz and Lee, I wish them all the best for the upcoming season”

Since moving over from Banbury League side Chasewell Park 'Kizz' has had a busy few seasons at Williamscot Road, winning the league and cup before a solid season in OSL Division 1 with a very young side. Reading spoke about his new role by saying: “I’m delighted to have been given the chance to step up and take over the First Team for next season, I want to thank both Ryan, for initially bringing me to the club, and trusting me to take on this new role, and to Loz who I’m looking forward to working closely with moving forward.

It’s been a great spell with the Development side since setting the team up three years ago. The highlights not only being the double winning season of 21/22, but also the number of young players we’ve been able to introduce into men’s football over those years.

The club is in a good place. I’m leaving the Devs established in the OSL Division one for somebody to come in, and take over a great role and challenge, whilst there being lots of young and talented players that are ready to make the step up to the First Team.

My goal is to as quickly as possible, get the side back to challenging at the top end of the league, and for some of the cups. There are some good players at the club, with my aim to keep these around, bring through some of the Devs group, and make some key signings ahead of the new season.

I’m very excited for this new challenge and looking forward to getting started.”

On Waters also joining the Firsts, Reading said “I’m delighted that Lee will also be joining me in the First Team set up. We’ve built up a great working relationship over the past two seasons, and he’s been integral in the success we’ve had with the Devs.”

“I’m also chuffed that Loz will be remaining at the club, as the new Chairman, and will still be involved on the coaching side. He too, will play a big role in shaping the new First Team.”

New chairman Lawrence shared his thoughts on the appointment "I would like to wish the best of luck to Kieran and Lee in their new roles with the first-team. I would like to have achieved more myself in the role last season but I know that they are inheriting a great group of people and players - that complimented with the young talent the club has - can takes strides towards the next step in the clubs development.

The Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division seems to get more challenging each year but the club has all the ingredients needed for success. The new management team have proved themselves as industrious with an emphasis on exciting football and I look forward to working closely with them both throughout the year. There has already been a proactive approach towards gearing up for next season from the management team and all involved with Cropredy should be exciting for the resumption of pre-season"

A new era for Crop both on and off the pitch as we look forward to the 2023/24 season.

Up The Crop!