Non-league legend Gary Abbott returns as Manager

Fisher FC are delighted to announce the appointment of non-league legend Gary Abbott as first team manager.

Abbott returns for his second spell in the hot seat having managed Fisher Athletic when they played at the Surrey Docks Stadium and prior to the establishment of Fisher as a fan-owned club. Abbott first joined the club in the 2003/04 season, starting his managerial career with the Fish.

Abbott’s pedigree is well known on the non-league scene having played as a striker for Welling United and Barnet in the Vauxhall Conference and various Ryman Premier sides. Gary built a name for himself scoring a number of crucial goals in the successful Welling side of the 1980s, including a solo goal which secured safety for The Wings which is still spoken about at Park View Road. Abbott also gained 3 caps for the England non-league team and was voted non-league Player of the Season in 2000. He brings a wealth of managerial experience with him to St Paul’s, with a career including successful spells in charge at Sittingbourne, Kingstonian and Fisher Athletic.

Commenting on the appointment Chairman Ben Westmancott said, “The advert for the vacancy yielded a remarkably strong field of candidates and we had to turn down a number applicants who were clearly appointable. After deliberations, the panel was unanimous in its decision and we are delighted that someone of such high calibre has accepted the role. Abbott has the passion desire to help us grow the club and shares our vision to build in a sustainable way. We are looking forward to a season of competitive and exciting football.”

Accepting the role Abbott said, “It’s an honour to be back at Fisher. This is a great club and now Fisher are back home in Rotherhithe I can see the potential. There’s a great bunch of players here with the right attitude and I’m looking forward to working with them to bring out their best.”

Abbott brings with him highly regarded coach Isa Hussain who has worked at QPR in a technical coaching role. The duo take immediate charge and will prepare the team for their first game in charge this coming Saturday 6 August, a friendly at St Paul’s versus Otford United. The following weekend Abbott leads Fisher into their first competitive game at St Paul’s, kicking off the SCEFL Premier League campaign at home to Rochester United on Saturday 13 August.