Rob Richman will return to MGBSFL management with Norstar London Raiders A after Phil Peters stepped down to concentrate on the European Maccabi Games.
With Norstar A and North London Raiders A merging last summer, Peters enjoyed an excellent season - finishing runners-up in both the Cyril Anekstein Cup and Premier Division, which they led for several months, only to be pipped by Hendon United Sports Club A in both.
Club chairman Jonathan Adelman told JC Sport: "What Phil and the A's achieved last season was superb and far beyond the target I set for them at the beginning of the season. A Premier League points haul of 45 and a first major cup final appearance was an unbelievable achievement and Phil obviously takes a lot of credit for that.
"Everyone at the Club is excited for him as he joins the Team Maccabi GB set up for the European Games. We are fortunate that in Rob we have someone who can pick up the reins from within the Club and of course who laid the foundations for the current side. I am sure under his guidance the team will go from strength to strength "
Peters steered NLR to their best-ever finish in the league and first major cup final, but his focus now turns to the EMG on Berlin.
I'm excited for next season but also well aware that we have a lot of hard work to do over the summer to make sure that Phil's efforts are rewarded come May 2015.
Reflecting on the last 12 months, Peters told JC Sport: "It was a season beyond our wildest expectations and clearly some unfinished business, but it's important for me to be free of distraction and conflict as we approach next year's EMG in Berlin.
"It will be a tough job for everyone at NLR to repeat the success of this season, especially as teams will know all about the threat that is posed. Rob will have to bring in some new faces to replace those leaving, and freshen things up a fair bit particularly up front.
"The competition will be more fierce next season, but if the signings we discussed before my departure come off, and the club manage to hold on to their best players, then they can certainly challenge again and I'd be delighted to see them pick up some trophies next summer."
Adelman went on to say: "I would like to thank Phil for all the effort, dedication and commitment he put in to making the merger a real success. His achievements last season are there for all to see and no-one could have done more for the club.
Richman enjoyed several successful seasons as manager of NLR B and recently helped Team Maccabi GB win silver at the European Maccabi Football Trophy, along with Jonathan Green. They lost the final to France on penatlies.
Adelman added: "I'm excited for next season but also well aware that we have a lot of hard work to do over the summer to make sure that Phil's efforts are rewarded come May 2015."
It appears Peters will combine his EMG preparations with a stint in the MGBSFL. "I'm undecided at the moment," he said. "I've had some offers to play and manage across the lower leagues and on Saturday, but for now I've got the final National trial for the Open Football on Sunday and I'll make a decision in the next few weeks.
"I think a sabbatical from day-to-day management could be good fun and I hope to turn the clock back 20 years and make the back pages for scoring goals, rather than talking about them."
