Shoreham FC have appointed Alex Laing as first-team manager, with the club confirming it is his first managerial role.
He takes over after three successive league defeats following Connor Cox’s departure, with Shoreham conceding 15 goals across those matches.
The appointment brings Laing back to a club he previously represented as a player, following a career that has taken him across Sussex non-league football.
In its announcement welcoming Laing, Shoreham said: “With a wealth of non-league experience, Alex joins the Mussels for his first managerial role. We’re excited to see him in action very soon!”
Three defeats since Connor Cox’s departure
In a statement dated 24 September 2026, Shoreham said Connor Cox had left his role as first-team manager “by mutual agreement” following discussions with the club.
The Musselmen have lost all three league matches since his departure, scoring twice and conceding 15 goals. The results underline the immediate task facing Laing as he takes charge.
| Date | Home team | Score | Away team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 September 2026 | Shoreham | 0–4 | Jarvis Brook |
| 29 September 2026 | Saltdean United | 5–2 | Shoreham |
| 3 October 2026 | Shoreham | 0–6 | Infinity |
All three fixtures were in the Southern Combination Football League Division One, according to Shoreham’s FA Full-Time results.
Discussing the squad in his interview with The Dugout Diaries, Laing said he wanted to retain a majority of the players while bringing in more experienced footballers to support the younger members of the side.
Coaching experience at Redhill
Laing also brings coaching experience from Redhill. Speaking in his interview with The Dugout Diaries, he recalled taking training sessions at the Surrey club and receiving positive feedback from players about the detail he provided.
He said he expected to take a hands-on role in coaching at Shoreham and intended to concentrate on management, returning to playing only if injuries left the side short.
Playing career across Sussex
A former Crawley Town scholar, Laing has played for Worthing, Lewes, Haywards Heath Town and Burgess Hill Town, as well as Shoreham.
Horsham outlined those earlier spells when announcing his signing in June 2021. The Hornets described him as a right-footed attacker comfortable on the left wing and able to play in several forward positions.
He later joined Lancing from Haywards Heath Town ahead of the 2023/24 season, bringing further experience of Isthmian League football.
Laing also captained Lancing. The club’s report of its February 2024 win at East Grinstead identifies him as skipper and records him playing at right-back.
Interview shared with supporters
Alongside the appointment announcement, Shoreham shared a video interview with Laing from The Dugout Diaries, giving supporters a chance to hear from their new manager.
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