Darren Smith has been appointed as our new Goalkeeper Coach following Steve Collis’ departure for York City. Smith, who enjoyed a playing career as a goalkeeper in non-league, boasts a wealth of senior coaching experience having held similar roles with the likes of Ipswich Town, Colchester United, MK Dons and most recently Ebbsfleet United. He said: “The opportunity to come to a club of this magnitude, and to work with the likes of Martin Paterson, Sam Slocombe and Andy Edwards, who I know from Colchester, was too good to turn down – especially with the club being in such a strong position to challenge for promotion this season. “I want to be a mentor to the goalkeepers and help them be the best they can be – with the ultimate goal being to give the team the best chance of winning three points on a Saturday.” Director of Football Richard Montague added: “Darren has impressed us with his energy and enthusiasm, as well as his varied CV which has seen him hold key roles in big academies and also the women’s game. “We warmly welcome him to Meadow Lane and look forward to working with him.” Collis, who joined us ahead of the 2024-25 season, departs with the club’s best wishes for the future. The other coach has gone to join Maynard at York.