Men's football news
Written by: Joe
Lewes FC can announce our Men’s first-team manager, Craig Nelson, will be leaving the club at the end of the season to join Tonbridge Angels.
Craig joined Lewes as manager in May 2024 and oversaw a complete overhaul of the squad for the 2024/25 season.
What followed was the Rooks’ best start to a campaign for over a decade as the team won all five of its opening league matches and went eight games undefeated overall. That impressive start saw Craig pick up the Manager of the Month award for August 2024.
There was progression in the FA Trophy to the 2nd Round proper, however, injuries to key players saw the Rooks’ form dip toward the end of 2024. The team responded strongly and picked up notable victories in 2025 over Dulwich, Dover and Cray Valley.
Discussing his departure, Craig says: “To everyone at Lewes FC, players, staff, board members, volunteers, and most importantly, the incredible supporters, thank you. It’s never easy saying goodbye to a club that has meant so much to me, both personally and professionally.
“From the first day I walked through the doors, I felt the passion and the pride that runs through every part of Lewes FC. It’s a truly special club, built on values, community, and ambition, and it’s been an honour to be part of that journey.
“Together, we’ve shared some unforgettable moments. Whether it was hard fought wins, last minute winners against Whitehawk, or simply seeing the Dripping Pan buzzing on a matchday, every experience has helped me grow as a person and as a manager.
“To the fans, thank you for your unwavering support, your honesty, and your belief in what we were trying to build. You’re the heartbeat of the club and I’ll always be grateful for the way you backed me and the team through the highs and lows. We were together as one!
“Lewes will always hold a special place in my heart. I leave with nothing but respect and appreciation, and I’ll be watching on with pride as the club continues to grow. Thank you for everything and Up the Rooks!”
Director John Peel says: “We are obviously saddened to lose Craig, but we will go our separate ways on extremely good terms, and we wish him all the best in his next venture.
“Craig arrived at the club in an uncertain and challenging time, but such is his exceptional talent that his energy invigorated the environment, and the performances of his team have exceeded expectations.
“I’m very proud that our paths have crossed and that he had the opportunity to manage this great club. Craig has laid an excellent foundation as we look forward to a period of growth.
“I would also like to pass my enormous thanks to Danny, Bryan, Sheikh, Kevin, Arron, Daniel and Vernon, who are each incredibly talented individuals and a brilliant team of people to work with.”
Club chair Trevor Wells says: “Obviously, we are hugely disappointed to be losing Craig to Tonbridge Angels, but I am sure that everyone at the club, our supporters and our owners will be thankful for the job he performed this season and wish him future success in his managerial career.
“When we recruited Craig, the plan was that he would initially recruit a team almost from scratch that would consolidate our position as members of the Isthmian Premier League, and from that position of consolidation he could build the team to challenge for the top five in the future.
“Craig has more than exceeded his brief in his first season, which has of course brought him to the attention of clubs higher up the league pyramid.
“Whilst we are saddened that he won’t be taking the next step of the journey with us, he leaves the club in a stronger position than when he joined and provides a fantastic opportunity for his successor.”
The club can confirm that it has begun a shortlisting process to appoint a new manager. Any other expressions of interest can be emailed to John Peel at john@lewesfc.com.
Craig and his team will remain in post for the remaining four games of the season. We hope to give him the send-off he deserves on Saturday 26 April when we face Cray Wanderers at the Dripping Pan on the final day of the campaign.