Guidford City Appoint New Manager with Local Roots

Published on: 4 May, 2026
Updated on: 4 May, 2026

By Martin Giles

Guildford City Football Club has announced the appointment of Luke Simmonds to the vacant post of first team manager.

The new appointment comes in the wake of the club’s relegation from the Combined Counties Fottball League – Premier Division South.

Luke joins City from local club Keens Park Rangers where he has managed them in his first year in the job to their best ever league finish; a highly respectable fourth place.

Luke previously played at Keens Park where he made over 140 appearances including captaining the side to two championships.

Keens Park Rangers, according to the club’s website, “emerged from the embers of Fairlands FC in 2008” and rose quickly from division four of the Guildford & Woking Alliance to the Surrey County Intermediate (Western) Premier Division and then, in 2023, the Surrey Premier County Football League.

The Guildford City statement said: “Luke is Guildford through and through having played and coached since young at Guildford City Boys & Girls FC, culminating in being part of their U18 championship side in 2013.

Luke Simmonds playing for City against Corinthian Casuals in 2021

“He also made 20 senior appearances for Guildford City before joining Keens Park Rangers where he has shown strong leadership skills on and off the field.”

Commenting on his appointment Luke said: “Being appointed manager of Guildford City is a real honour, and a responsibility I take seriously. I’ve been part of this football club since I was 4-years-old, coming through the boys’ and girls’ section to 18, and having spells with the first team at different points in my career.

“I know exactly what it means to be part of this club and its community.”

Reflecting Guildford City’s strong belief in community Luke said: “I truly believe this town, this football club, and the community should all be aligned. We’re building a team that represents Guildford properly — competitive, driven, and built to win.

“A strong core of local players, supported by the right additions, all pushing standards every single week.

“From me, you’ll get everything. I will give this my all, every single day, to make it a success. But with the backing of the community, this is something we can build together — something we can all make possible. This is a fresh start, but it won’t be a quiet one.”