Powell looking to bring success to Slimbridge after joining Management Team
Former Chalford Manager Ben Powell says he is looking to help bring success to Slimbridge, after making the move to Thornhill Park as part of the Management Team.
Powell joins the Swans as Assistant Manager to Co-Manager duo Tom Deakin and Michael Palmer after nearly a decade in charge of Chalford.
After initially stepping away before the 2024/25 season, Powell u-turned to Co-Manage Chalford’s first season in the County League alongside Nat Buckland – helping steer his side to a 7th place finish.
Speaking to Severn Sport about the switch to the Hellenic Premier side, Powell admits a change in work circumstances ultimately resulted in him deciding to take a step back when considering a new role.
“Two things really [caused the change]. First one is my work, I don’t have the time I once did to be a number one that’s on the phone regularly, watching games or planning sessions,” admits Powell.
“Last season was tough for me and Natty [Buckland] did a huge amount and I knew that this year, if I was to be involved, it wouldn’t be as the number one.
I spoke to other clubs, but I pride myself on honesty and I would never be entrusted with a budget if I couldn’t give the role what it needed.
The other thing for me this season is a bit of learning and development, I’ve always backed myself when it comes to creating an environment and man management of players, but I probably fall short in the coaching and technical side – so to work with Deaks [Tom Deakin], Mike [Michael Palmer] and [Sam] Prior it’s a good opportunity to learn off of them,” Powell added.
Powell was always going to be highly sought after, following his announcement on social media that this would be the right time to call a day to his time at his beloved Chalford – especially with so many sides changing their management structure ahead of the 2025/26 season.
With the move to Slimbridge now confirmed, Powell admits that the Swans felt like a perfect fit, especially being re-united with good friend, Sam Prior.
“To be fair I had some really good chats with others regarding both number one and coaching roles, but my gut instinct was always Slimbridge,” said Powell.
“Deaks and I spoke in February and I said we’d talk once the season was done, for me it just felt a good fit.
Slimbridge is a great club with a strong committee, superb pitch and facilities, plus a family feel around the place, it felt like an environment I was used to and wanted to be involved in.
As we’ve discussed previously, my work has got busier and Deaks & Mike are aware of that, but I think we’ve hopefully got a recipe that will work for us all,” Powell added.
Powell completes a Management setup that sees Deakin and Palmer hold the Co-Manager positions, whilst Sam Prior retains his First Team Coach role, but will be expected to be unavailable for the first part of the season.
And with the Hellenic Premier set to be as tough as previous seasons, Powell is hoping his wealth of Management experience can help bring a resurgence to Thornhill Park after a tough season last campaign.
“I think it’s fair to say the second half of last season wasn’t good enough for anyone connected with the club, so we’ll be looking to ensure we start the season strong and positive.
I think any side at this level will be striving for playoffs and then looking for some silverware through one of the cups and we won’t be any different,” said Powell.
“On a personal note, this season, I’ll be looking to get to know the level and the players as quickly as possible. It’s certainly going to take me out of my comfort zone initially, but if I can play a part in bringing some success to the club then I’ll have done my job,” added Powell.
