Sweetman takes the reigns with Johnsy becoming technical director
Hassocks have announced a new continental-style managerial structure for 2021-22 with Brad Sweetman appointed as the Robins’ head coach.
It is an opportunity which Sweetman more than deserves having worked his way up through the coaching ranks at Hassocks since first arriving at the Beacon as Under 18s assistant manager ahead of the 2017-18 season.
Working alongside Dave John, the duo helped to deliver a treble of Southern Combination Under 18 League Overall Champions, Central Division title and League Cup.
Sweetman took over as manager of the Under 18s for 2018-19 and led Hassocks to a second placed finish. In 2019-20, the young Robins were one point off the top when the season was curtailed and in 2020-21, Hassocks led the way having won six and drawn one of seven matches. Hassocks also reached the semi final of the Supplementary Shield back in May.
Those achievements meant that in his four seasons with the Under 18s, Sweetman has helped deliver one of the longest periods of sustained success that the youth setup has enjoyed in its 30 year history.
Sweetman began working with the first team in 2019 under Mark Dalgleish and served as John’s assistant in the last campaign. With Hassocks relying on a core of young players many of whom have played in the Under 18s under Sweetman, it seemed only natural that he should be the man to succeed Johnsy in taking the reigns.
Johnsy meanwhile moves upstairs to become the club’s technical director, overseeing football across the club as a whole. Technical director is a term which suits Johnsy very well and it is one we know he will love being referred to as.
Sweetman will be assisted by Jordan Wilson, who was his number two with the Under 18s last season. Sweetman and Wilson will also oversee the Under 23s alongside Matt Hicks. Long-serving Phil Wickwar will continue as physio alongside new recruit Chloe Parker.
The Under 18s have a new-look management team too, Neil Parker and Glenn Geard taking over and Veterans football returns to the Beacon for the first time in several seasons.
Hassocks favourite Nick Newman will be in charge of the side competing in the Mid Sussex Veterans League, who are expected to provide plenty of entertainment if past incarnations of the vets are anything to go by.
