Bromley boss expecting ‘pearls of wisdom’ from England chief Gareth Southgate

Bromley manager Andy Woodman suspects that best friend Gareth Southgate will give him some “pearls of wisdom” ahead of the FA Trophy Final but does not believe the England manager will be in attendance on Sunday.

While Woodman is preparing for his first trip to Wembley as a manager of his own team, his best man at his wedding – Southgate – has managed 34 times at the national stadium.

The pair became friends as apprentices during their time at Crystal Palace.

Bromley face National League rivals Wrexham and are looking to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.

The South Londoners reached this stage of the competition in 2018 under Neil Smith but lost to Brackley Town on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

“We speak all the time,” Woodman told the South London Press about the managerial conversations he shares with Southgate.

“It’s different ends of the spectrum, but it’s the same principles as it’s about managing people – it doesn’t matter what level it is at.

“We spoke about a couple of scenarios that he has had, and equally, I was having the same scenario but at a completely different level.

“We have had many chats and conversations. It’s not always about management, sometimes just as friends.

“I’m sure that he will be on the phone this week giving me some pearls of wisdom.”

When asked whether he believed Southgate would be in attendance for Sunday’s FA Trophy Final, Woodman replied: “I wouldn’t have thought so.

“He has probably seen enough of Wembley without having to have another day out there.

“I would imagine that he would probably watch it on television.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD