Risborough Rangers FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Pateman as our new First Team Manager, following a rigorous and thorough selection process.

Sam is a modern, very focused, highly educated professional coach who is already well known to the club. He has recently been a key part of the management team under Lee Bircham - first at Leighton Town and more recently at Bedford Town - helping deliver three consecutive promotions. Most notably, last season saw a remarkable promotion to the National League against the odds.

The club was hugely impressed by Sam’s detailed application, his energetic forward-thinking approach, strong work ethic, and extensive player contacts at our level - particularly valuable following our recent lateral move to the Spartan South Midlands Premier League.

Sam will take full responsibility for all first team matters and will work directly with former Manager and now Director of Football, Mark Eaton. Further announcements regarding Sam’s backroom staff will be made in due course.

Sam Pateman commented:
“I’ve learned so much over the last three seasons working in a positive, winning environment at Leighton Town and Bedford Town. I now want to use that experience to succeed as a manager in my own right.

I’m thoroughly looking forward to the challenge of managing this ambitious and exciting football club. On and off the pitch, we’ll be working tirelessly to ensure a competitive and successful season—something I know everyone involved with Risborough is striving for.”

Mark Eaton added:
“The quality of applicants was exceptional - a real credit to the club, especially after the difficult season we endured last year. I’d like to thank everyone who applied and those we met; it was a tough decision.

Sam is an exciting appointment who fits exactly the profile we were looking for: a hungry and ambitious manager eager to develop and bring fresh energy to the club. I’m really looking forward to working with him and no doubt will learn some new modern approaches as we progress through the season. I’m sure our supporters will give him the warmest of welcomes.”

We look forward to an exciting new chapter under Sam’s leadership.

Up the Ris!