Andover Town FC have confirmed that long-serving First Team Manager Ronald Bertie has left his position at the club, just weeks after the beginning of a new era at Portway Stadium.
The club announced the departure of Bertie, known to many around the local football scene as Ron, thanking him for his many years of service, commitment and dedication to Andover Town.
Bertie has been a significant figure at the club and was appointed First Team Manager ahead of the 2018/19 season. During his time in charge, he guided Town through a number of challenging periods as well as memorable moments on the pitch.
His departure comes during a period of major change for Andover Town.
At the end of August, it was confirmed that Proleague Limited, the ownership group behind Salisbury FC, had completed the takeover of Andover Town and secured a 25-year lease of Portway Stadium from Test Valley Borough Council.
The new owners have outlined ambitions to take the club up through the divisions, develop local footballing talent and establish Andover Town as the leading football club in the area. Mohammad Alkandari was also appointed to lead the club’s day-to-day operations as Chief Executive.
Bertie remained in charge following the takeover and had overseen the opening weeks of Town’s 2026/27 Hampshire Premier League Division One campaign.
The season began strongly, including a 5-0 victory over Hayling United, a 4-0 win against North Waltham and an emphatic 9-0 away victory against Paulsgrove.
More recently, however, results have proved difficult. Saturday’s 4-3 home defeat against Sway left Town with just one victory from their previous six matches and saw the club drop to fifth in the league.
Andover Town have not given a specific reason for Bertie’s departure, but stressed that the decision should not detract from his contribution to the club.
In a statement, the club said: “Ron has given a great deal to this football club over the years, often through challenging periods, and his loyalty and contribution will always be recognised and deeply respected by everyone at the club.”
The club added that the decision did not diminish what Bertie had achieved or the important role he had played in Andover Town’s journey.
They concluded by thanking him wholeheartedly for everything he had given to the club and wishing him success and happiness for the future, adding: “Thank you for everything, Ron. You will always be part of the Andover Town family.”
Bertie’s departure represents one of the first significant changes to the footballing side of the club since the takeover and leaves Andover Town searching for a new First Team Manager as its new owners continue to shape their plans for the future.
Town’s next scheduled fixture is at Portway Stadium on Saturday 12 September, when they are due to face Denmead in the second round of the Hampshire Premier League Cup.