AFC TOTTON have appointed Scott Rendell as their first-team manager following a spell in interim charge.
Rendell, who had been in temporary charge alongside director of football Dave Wright since the 18th of March, oversaw eight National League South matches, winning four, drawing one and losing three.
“The opportunity is an honour,” Rendell said. “The groundwork has been put in place over the last eight or nine games, and now it’s about looking forward to next season with a positive group and continuing to progress.”
The 39-year-old has enjoyed a long playing career across the Football League and non-league. A striker by trade, he began his career in the Reading academy and gained experience through loan spells with clubs including Forest Green Rovers, Crawley Town and Hayes.
Rendell went on to establish himself at Cambridge United, where he scored regularly before earning a move to Peterborough United, who he helped win promotion to League One during the 2007-08 season.
He later played in the Football League for clubs including Wycombe Wanderers, where he was the club’s top scorer in a promotion-winning campaign, as well as spells with Torquay United, Oxford United and Luton Town.
In non-league football, Rendell has represented sides including Woking, Aldershot Town, Eastleigh, Maidstone United and Havant & Waterlooville, building a reputation as a consistent goalscorer.
He joined AFC Totton in 2022 and has scored 97 goals in 186 appearances for the club, as he hopes a hat-trick on Saturday for himself would take him to the 100-goal mark.
Wright said Rendell had impressed during his interim spell in charge.
“From the moment he stepped in, he demonstrated strong leadership, clear communication and a real understanding of what it takes to drive standards both on and off the pitch,” he said.
“He has brought a clear identity to the team and, most importantly, the respect of the players and staff.”
Club chairman Kevin Hebenton said the decision to appoint Rendell on a permanent basis had been unanimous.
“He has exemplified professionalism since joining the club and has been a natural leader,” Hebenton said. “We have full confidence in his ability to lead the team forward.”
AFC Totton will conclude their National League South season with their final league fixture on Saturday.
