Jon Underwood Joins Board as Director of Football

We’re delighted to welcome Jon Underwood to the club as our new Director of Football, also joining the Board of Directors with immediate effect. Jon joins us from Enfield Town, where he has been Assistant Manager at Step 2 this season, and his arrival marks another important step in strengthening the club both on and off the pitch.

Jon brings with him a huge amount of experience at the top end of non-league football and, just as importantly, a strong local connection, having lived in Fleet for the past 15 years. That understanding of the area and the club’s place within the community is something we value highly as we continue to build for the future.

As a player, Jon made over 150 appearances for Farnborough Town in the Conference, playing alongside long-time colleague Neil Baker. He also represented Aylesbury United, Staines Town and Bracknell Town, building a strong playing career across the non-league game.

Jon moved into management with Sandhurst Town, where he spent two seasons as first team manager, before linking up with Baker at Godalming Town during the 2010/11 season. Together they enjoyed a highly successful spell, reaching the Isthmian Division One South play-offs on two occasions and lifting the Surrey Senior Cup in 2012/13 with a victory over Sutton United. They also reached the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, narrowly losing out to Maidenhead United.

The partnership is best known for its time at Slough Town, where Jon and Neil guided the Rebels through a sustained period of success. They secured two promotions, taking the club from Step 4 to Step 2 via the play-offs, including a memorable 3-2 win at Kettering Town in 2014 and a 2-1 victory at King’s Lynn Town four years later to reach National League South.

In cup competitions, they reached the FA Cup Second Round twice, facing League One opposition in Rochdale and Gillingham, and also lifted the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup in 2019 with victory over Reading.

In his role with us, Jon will oversee all football matters across both our men’s and women’s senior sides. He will play a key role in shaping our football structure, strengthening the player pathway and supporting our management teams as we continue to progress.

We are incredibly proud to bring someone of Jon’s calibre to Fleet Town and believe his experience, contacts and understanding of the game will be a huge asset to us moving forward.

We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to Tommy Taylor for his hard work and dedication over recent seasons as Director of Football. Tommy has played an important role during his time at the club, and we wish him the very best for the future.

Speaking after joining the club, Jon said:

“I’m really looking forward to getting going. There’s a lot of potential here and some big plans in place, and I’m excited to be part of it. Strengthening the player pathway is going to be a key focus for me, making sure we’re building something sustainable for the long term.

On a personal level, I’m really proud to be joining the club as a resident of Fleet. It means a lot to be involved with a club in the town where I live, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in what comes next.

I’d also like to thank Tommy for all his hard work and the foundations he’s put in place. I’m looking forward to building on that and taking things forward.”