FORMER Colchester United goalkeeper Andy Woodman has been appointed as Bromley’s new manager.

The 49-year-old, who made more than 50 league appearances for the U's between 2000 and 2002, takes over from Neil Smith who was sacked last week.

His first game in charge will be against Wealdstone, on Good Friday.

Woodman said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead such an ambitious club and am looking forward to working towards fulfilling that ambition.

“The chairman and his vision for the club, along with the existing and planned facilities make for an incredibly exciting time ahead for players, staff and supporters.”

Woodman initially joined Colchester on an emergency deal in November, 2000.

He had linked up with the club just hours before they had kicked off against Reading and helped them keep a clean sheet on his debut.

Woodman went on to make more than 50 league appearances for Colchester before leaving to join Oxford United, initially on loan, after being dropped for a game against Tranmere Rovers in January, 2002.

Woodman went on to play for the likes of Stevenage and Thurrock and over recent years, has coached at the likes of Newcastle and Crystal Palace.

He had been head of goalkeeping at Arsenal since 2018.

The former shot-stopper, who previously had a spell in charge of Whitehawk in the National South, started his career as a player at Crystal Palace.

Woodman’s son Freddie is currently on loan at Swansea City, from Newcastle United.