Dial are delighted to confirm the appointment of Andy Rider to the new position of goalkeeping coach.

It comes after the 32-year-old shot-stopper announced his retirement earlier this month [May 2025], having made 57 appearances for The Dial over two seasons.

The former Ash United, Sandhurst Town, Sheerwater and Fleet Spurs goalkeeper will complete Steve Brown’s football management quartet following the addition of assistant manager Mike Kinsella from Bagshot last week.

Speaking of Rider’s appointment, Brown said: “Andy has been brilliant in goal for us since joining the club in 2023, but he has decided to take a step back from frontline duties.

“He’s a great guy and I couldn’t be happier that he has agreed to take on a new goalkeeping coaching role to support the team.

"It’s important for our goalkeepers to have that one on one coaching and mentorship at training and on match days. Andy is that man and will be another great addition to the management team,” he added.

In response to taking on the coaching role, Rider said: “I felt the time was right to hang up the gloves at the end of last [2024/25] season. I have loved my time at Dial, especially winning the double in my first season, so when the coaching opportunity arose, it was an easy decision to say yes.

“The game has moved on a lot since I first stepped into non-League football. For one, goalkeepers are expected to have the ability to play out from the back, which has its place, but not all of the time.

"I am still quite old school, insofar that everything has its place. Ultimately, I believe that goalkeepers should be judged on their handling and being dominant in the box to help keep the ball out of the back of the net.

"I am looking forward to working with Brownie [Steve Brown], Bunners [Matt Bunyan] and Mike [Kinsella] next season," added Rider.

Dial's pre-season campaign will begin against newly-promoted Windsor & Eton (venue TBC) on 8 July. A full list of friendly fixtures will be published on 2 June 2025.