Bromley acting head coach Byron Webster has spoken out on the emotional toll caused by Andy Woodman's departure last week, admitting that the squad and staff were left "hurt" by the manager's exit. Webster, who previously served as Woodman's assistant, is currently in temporary charge of the League One side while club owner and chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves oversees the recruitment process for a permanent replacement.
Webster's interim spell has begun during a demanding period on the pitch for the third-tier outfit. Over the past week, the caretaker boss oversaw a 1-1 draw against Peterborough United on Saturday, which was promptly followed by a 4-1 defeat away to MK Dons on Tuesday night. Life in the division has proven challenging for the Ravens, who currently sit in 22nd position in League One, lingering just two points above bottom-placed Wigan Athletic.
Addressing the managerial change, Webster voiced his shock while offering strong support for the club's leadership. "We were all hurt from the departure of the gaffer," Webster told BBC Radio London. "Like I say, we were surprised [by Woodman's exit] but you're never surprised in football." Backing Stanton-Gleaves' track record, Webster added: "The chairman has always made decisions that thinks have benefited Bromley Football Club and if you look at his track record, he's not done too bad. When the gaffer [Woodman] came in, people were questioning it."
Woodman had been at the helm of Bromley since 2021, famously steering the club from the National League up into League One. With Stanton-Gleaves continuing the active search for the next manager to lead the team out of the lower reaches of the table, former Arsenal, Chelsea, and England defender Ashley Cole is among those who have been linked with the vacant role.