Guildford unveil Paul Barnes as new boss

GUILDFORD CITY have appointed Paul Barnes as their new first-team manager.

Barnes, who has an UEFA A Licence, joins the Combined Counties League Premier Division side from Staines Town, whom he joined in February 2020.

Barnes guided Staines Town to second-place in the Isthmian League South Central Division table before departing on Sunday.

Barnes has also managed Greenwich Borough and acted as assistant manager or first-team coach at Welling United, Ashford United and Margate.

“I’m extremely excited and proud to be joining Guildford City FC, a club with such history and prominence in the local community,” Barnes told the club website.

“I saw first-hand the magnificent support the club has, when we played each other in this years FA Cup.

“I have also quickly discovered it has great people dedicated to helping the club achieve its goals and some very exciting plans for the future ahead.

“Our aim is to help create a professional environment utilising technology and modern tools, along with a forward-thinking coaching philosophy to aide player development and performance.

“It is an exciting time for all involved and anyone connected to Guildford City FC and I cannot wait to get started”.

Guildford City Chairman David Knight said “We are very happy to welcome a manager of the calibre of Paul Barnes. With an exciting restructure of the club pending at the end of the season, we are delighted to have attracted such a go-ahead young manager to the club.”

Guildford City sit second-from-bottom in the Combined Counties League Premier Division table with four points from nine games.

---