Rovers decision to appoint Iain O'Connell may or may not provide the impetus to save the club from relegation but there's no doubting Iain's management credentials based on his previous spell as manager between 2005-2009.

Taking over from Tony Cross in February 2005, Iain started slowly with 4 defeats in a row in the Southern League, but his side picked up 4 wins from the remaining 7 games of the 2004-05 season.
The following season, Iain's new look side finished 13th, with a squad that contained the likes of John Heffer, Keith Wilson, James White, Steve Butterworth, Mark Cartlidge and Neil Richmond, with Richmond finding the net 26 times.

League restructuring for the 2006-07 season found Rovers competing in the Ryman League North. A settled squad from the outset saw Iain manage his side to a commendable 12th place, with an everpresent Neil Richmond competing in all 55 games during the season. Iain's team racked up just 5 home defeats in the league including a run of 6 home wins on the trot, scoring 14 and conceding just 3.

Another season in the Ryman North in 2007-08 saw Iain lead Rovers to a second good mid-table finish, 13th. Iain's jewels in his crown was his strike duo of Neil Richmond and Martin Tuohy which put on a partnership of 28 goals as Rovers secured 13 wins in the league. This season also saw Iain's final appearance on the pitch for Rovers, coming on as a substitute on the 5th April against Ilford at home.

2008-09 season gave Iain another 13th position in the Ryman North and with 16 wins and a points total of 58, 10 better than the previous season, progression was clear to see. Iain's major signing was Richard McKinney, an experienced Irish international goalkeeper who played 32 games and conceded just 59 goals in a great debut season. It was also this season that saw Rovers top the table for a 9-week period but alas it was not to last.

Iain entered the 2009-10 season with high hopes of improving further in the league. However, Margate came calling with an offer to manage their first team. With Iain also having sentimental feelings for a club he played for during the height of his playing career, and taking his own management career to another level, it was an offer too good to turn down. O'Connell left his fellow management team members, Ryan Wilkinson and Cleve Taylor in charge who continued his legacy and good form and a 9th place finish was an amazing achievement.

Iain's record as manager of Rovers (this includes cup matches):
221P | 81W | 44D | 96L | 336F | 356A

2004-2005 - 20th / 22
2005-2006 - 13th / 22
2006-2007 - 12th / 22
2007-2008 - 13th / 22
2008-2009 - 13th / 22

Present manager rank overall: 6th / 12 (based on winning percentage of 36.7%)