Ian has a plethora of experience playing and coaching at high levels throughout his career spanning over 30 years, making over 100 games for Gillingham between 1987 and 1991 and is a former England Under 15 schoolboys international.

Following his playing career, Ian set up the Gravesend and Northfleet youth section (now Ebbsfleet Utd FC) and set up their full-time youth academy scheme which saw players representing the first team in their victory over Torquay United in the Fa Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium, some moving on to league football. Ian also worked as the u16 Gillingham FC manager and took the full-time scholars for training and matches. He has also had roles coaching and working at Thamesmead Town FC, Ramsgate FC, and Ashford United. He holds an FA B Coaching Licence.

When interviewed about his appointment and how he is finding life at Rochester, Ian Docker had this to say - "First of all, I would like to thank the board, staff, players, physio staff and the youth section for making me feel very welcome here at Rochester United FC. I've always known what a great family club it is, but actually being involved internally has really brought this home to me.
I am delighted to be working alongside Matt, Betsy and Sam and the players, who, after the first three pre-season sessions, have shown a high level of fitness and professionalism.

"Any Club needs a strong foundation and with Matt and Lloyd Hume, Bernhard Hurst and newly appointed Paul Bowden Brown putting all their wealth of experience on the table, I feel the club could see exciting times ahead.

"On the football front, Matt is working extremely hard in adding quality, experienced players and young lads with the enthusiasm and desire to listen and learn to the excellent set of lads already playing for the club. I've been very impressed so far.

Moving forward, I've had some very positive meetings with Anthony Malyan the new youth section chairman and everyone connected to the club are all looking forward to expanding and improving this vital area of the club. We must ensure that we create a Rochester United FC culture throughout the whole club. These youngsters could one day be the future of Rochester United, so we must work hard alongside the current youth managers and volunteers who are doing a fantastic job to reach the clubs' goals and targets.

Finally, I'm looking forward to our pre-season friendlies which will give us a chance to look at players' development, trialists and what we consider our strongest formation to be.

The staff and players look forward to seeing you at these matches."

We look forward to welcoming Ian during our upcoming Pre-season friendlies, kicking off at home against Kennington on the 4th July.

Click here to find out more information about our pre-season.