Barnett takes over from Haddon as Ringmer manager

Having first joined the club in the summer of 2023, Barnett served as the club’s third-team assistant manager in the 2023-24 season before being appointed third-team manager for the 2024-25 season.

He then took over the men’s second team for 2025-26, and has impressed the club’s committee, supporters and players throughout the previous three seasons.

The 36-year-old guided the second team to a 3rd-place finish in the Mid Sussex Football League (MSFL) Division 1 last season, with 11 wins, one draw and six defeats. That built upon a record with the third team of promotion from the MSFL Division 3 South in 2023-24, and a 4th-place finish in the MSFL Division 2 South in 2024-25. Across those two seasons, the side picked up 22 wins, four draws and 10 defeats.

Barnett led Tally Ho FC in the Sussex Sunday Football League (SSFL) prior to joining Ringmer, and the club has enjoyed close links with the Lewes-based side since.

Working with a large number of the club’s talented young players, including Young Player of the Year, Maison Butterworth, and Rocco Cullen, Zach Medrow, Jack Craig and Aidan West, he has demonstrated excellent coaching skills to nurture the potential of this group.

In his new role, Barnett will be joined by club vice-chairman Oli Gibson as his first-team assistant manager, with further additions to the coaching staff to be announced in due course.

Barnett said: “To be given the opportunity to manage the Men’s First Team is something I am incredibly proud of, and I cannot wait to get started. As someone who lives in Ringmer, this is more than just a football club to me. It is my local club and a huge part of the community.

“I want to continue building on that by making it a place where local and surrounding people are proud to come and support their team, and the players can enjoy football, develop themselves and achieve success together.

“I fully believe in the club’s vision, and since joining the club it has been incredible to see the work already achieved by the committee and everyone involved at Ringmer AFC.

“My ambition is to support this by continuing to develop the club’s outstanding youth structure, providing opportunities and a pathway into senior football, while maintaining the right balance between experienced players and young talent to drive success on and off the pitch.”

Gibson said: “Having worked closely with Dan in the past, I have seen directly how his leadership builds a player-centred culture where individuals feel valued, while never losing sight of the demand for top-level performance.

“He is deeply committed to developing players, helping them grow on and off the pitch in a positive and progressive environment.”

“It has been a productive last few days working with Dan on the on and off-field plans for next season, and I look forward to supporting him in this new, well-deserved role.”

Chairman Murray Barnett said: “We are delighted to announce Dan Barnett as our new men’s first team manager for next season. Dan has all the key skills for the role, developed whilst managing within the club, and great potential as a manager too.

“As we look to progress with a new management team across the club, we anticipate an exciting season ahead.”