Bromley boss has no imminent plans to replace ex-Millwall man Alan Dunne in backroom team
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk
Andy Woodman has no plans to replace Alan Dunne until the end of the season out of respect for the former Bromley assistant manager.
The Ravens announced on February 6 that the 42-year-old former Millwall defender had vacated his coaching role by mutual consent after eight years of involvement with the club.
Dunne joined Bromley in 2017 towards the end of his playing career, before transitioning into the coaching set-up after his retirement.
He helped Woodman mastermind the FA Trophy win in 2022 and the National League play-off promotion push in the 2023-24 season.
“I respected everything that Dunney has done for me,” Woodman told the South London Press of his relationship with the former Lions captain. “I won’t be doing anything [in terms of a replacement] until the summer for two reasons.
“Firstly, out of respect to Alan Dunne. It’s a bit like a bereavement for me – I’ve lost someone. Secondly, I have really good coaches here as well in Alex Dyer and Steve Aris.”
Bromley owner Robin Stanton-Gleaves called Dunne a “great servant” in his departure announcement.
“Dunney will always be a big part of my Bromley journey,” said Woodman. “Football business takes a lot of strain and drain out of your life. I’m not saying this is the reason, but his family and children probably needed him a little bit more at this moment in time.
“He goes with nothing but our best wishes. I had lunch with Alan the other day. I must make it clear that we have had no fallout.
“Alan Dunne has been playing football since he was 14 and it has been non-stop – it takes its toll on you.
“He felt that he needed a bit of a break. The club respected that. It’s like losing my right arm.
“We have spoken every day since, so he probably feels as though he’s not getting much of a break.”
Woodman has just come out of his first January transfer window as an EFL manager.
The Ravens swooped to sign Nicke Kabamba from Barnet and Brooklyn Ilunga from Milton Keynes on permanent deals.
Ben Thompson’s loan deal from Stevenage was turned into a full-time move.
“It was pretty much like every other time we are trying to find players,” said the former Crystal Palace goalkeeping coach.
“We don’t have the money that everyone else has, but I like that. We put more energy and time into making sure we get the right ones.
“It has worked alright. We have a good squad to see us through until the end of the season.”
Winger Harry McKirdy was also signed after the deadline had passed after he terminated his contract with Hibernian by mutual agreement.
The most prolific spell of his career came when he scored 21 goals in 37 games for Swindon during the 2021-22 season as they reached the League Two play-offs.
“I was fortunate that Byron Webster is friends with him,” said Woodman.
“I got a message that he would be leaving Hibs – it worked for all parties.
“Harry wants to put himself back on the map a little bit down in England. The frustrating part for Harry is that he’s training hard but just waiting for his chance to come in.
“He knows how it works. He has to wait his time and earn his credit in this team. He is fit and ready.”
Woodman also dipped into the loan market to sign Millwall’s Adam Mayor and Arsenal defender Maldini Kacurri for the rest of the season.
“Adam has been on my radar for a long time,” said Woodman. “I like Adam. I know he’s had his injury woes, but I just spoke to him and he said that he’s never enjoyed his football so much. That’s a real plus for us and for him.
“I’m delighted that our relationship with Millwall, Crystal Palace and Arsenal have all come to fruition again for us.”
But perhaps the best piece of business that Bromley conducted over the January period was extending Kamarl Grant’s loan from Millwall until the end of the season and keeping hold of Crystal Palace’s Danny Imray despite interest from League One high-flyers Wycombe.
The Eagles turned down a £750,000 bid from the Chairboys.
Woodman said: “I have to say with both of them, Kamarl and Millwall had good options, but they were super loyal to us. Steve Gallen and Millwall were brilliant at keeping us in the loop – being completely transparent for our sake.
“Crystal Palace – Steve Parish, Dougie Freedman and Mark Bright – were the same to make sure there was no disruption on our end.
“We have to respect that these are their players. But, equally, the players wanted to finish off the job here and that was really refreshing.
“I can’t thank these clubs enough.”
MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD