Kearn appointed to Bashley management team (From Bournemouth Echo)

Kearn appointed to Bashley management team

7:00am Friday 14th September 2012 in Non league football By Neil Perrett

BASHLEY boss Frank Gray has added to his management team at the Recreation Ground by appointing Stewart Kearn as the club’s goalkeeping coach.

Kearn, who was on Sheffield Wednesday’s books as a youngster, returned to Bash for a second spell in January when he was signed by former manager Steve Riley .

The 36-year-old started the season as first choice with the Southern League outfit before he was replaced by Joe Prodomo following a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Hemel Hempstead last month.

Prodomo, who has played second fiddle to a number of goalkeepers since joining Bash three years ago, impressed Gray after keeping clean sheets in his first two appearances and has kept his place.

Gray told the Daily Echo: “We said in pre-season they would both get a fair chance. Not that any of the goals were Stewart’s fault against Hemel but it can be a bit damaging for a goalkeeper to lose six so we decided the time was right for a change.

“We spoke to Stewart about it and he understood the situation. He has now come onboard as goalkeeping coach as part of the management team. He is experienced and Joe needs some help. We feel Stewart is the right man for the job.

“Since Joe has come in, he has done well. But if the need arose then we wouldn’t hesitate to put Stewart back in. Now Joe has got his chance, it is up to him to take it.”

Bash will be looking to put behind them their controversial FA Cup exit at Gosport in midweek when they host Premier Division rivals Barwell tomorrow (3pm). Rob Gradwell is unavailable.

Bash: (from) Prodomo, Smith, Finlay, Strickland, Middleton, Richardson, Casey, Hill, Stokoe, Knight, Gamble, Lompato-Pires, Farren, Oliver, Gazzard, Kearn.