Cameron Scorer appointed first-team manager

Cornard United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Cameron Scorer as the club's new first-team manager, marking the start of an exciting new chapter at Blackhouse Lane. Scorer arrives from Halstead Town, where he made his name guiding the Under-23s to the Thurlow Nunn League First Division South Under-23 title last season. A coach who has earned strong reviews throughout the region for his attention to detail and his ability to develop young players, he steps up into senior management at a club that is ready to back him. He replaces Gary Monti in the hot-seat and inherits a squad and structure that, in his own words, represents 'a blank canvas' after a dramatic late run of form preserved the Ards' Premier Division status in 2025/26. A step up, and a project 'There were many reasons why I was keen on the job, and the first is that it's a step up in my managerial career,' Scorer told the club. 'But it's also a big project because the club and team need a rebuild. There's a new chairman, and hopefully with me coming in as manager, the club now has a fresh perspective. It's about building for the future, not just the here and now, and to be able to play a role in that is exciting.' Scorer was clear that the appeal of Cornard goes beyond a single season. With a new boardroom in place and an ambition to modernise everything from recruitment to matchday, he sees the role as a long-term build rather than a quick fix. Recruitment the priority With pre-season fast approaching, the focus turns immediately to recruitment. The new boss will be looking to assemble a squad blending experienced Step 5 operators with hungry young players ready to take the next step in their careers. 'We'll have plenty of very talented young lads who have played Step 5 football but might not have established themselves at the level just yet,' he said. 'You need a mix of the two if you're going to have a good side. We're not going to have the biggest budget, so what we want is players who want to play for Cornard.' Scorer will be supported by familiar faces from his Halstead days, with first-team coach and analyst Callum Hall and striker Josh Ricca already confirmed as part of the new-look set-up alongside assistant manager Simon Brown. Everyone at the club would like to welcome Cameron to Blackhouse Lane and wish him every success in the season ahead. #ARDS