The 55-year-old arrived at the Copperjax Community Stadium in March 2021 and was the driving force behind the most successful period in Bromley’s history, securing promotion from the National League to League One last season for the first time in their history.

With an Isuzu FA Trophy and a run to the third round of the Emirates FA Cup last year to boot, Woodman was named as League Two’s Manager of the Season last term for his pivotal role in their title-winning campaign.

However, after just two victories in the league and a four-game losing run, the Ravens currently sit in 23rd place after ten matches, with Tuesday’s 4-0 thrashing by Leicester City proving the final straw.

Woodman was the third longest-serving manager in the top five divisions of English football behind Mikel Arteta and Nigel Clough, with Byron Webster placed in interim charge ahead of Saturday’s visit of Peterborough United.

Orchestrating the Ravens’ ascent to unprecedented heights

Following the departure of Neil Smith, the ex-Whitehawk boss took over Bromley when they were occupying tenth place in the National League and four points off the play-offs.

Having lost out to Hartlepool United in the play-off eliminator, Woodman’s managerial craft began to get noticed by clubs in the Football League, and he turned down the chance to join Gillingham at the start of 2022.

It proved to be an inspired move, guiding the Ravens to FA Trophy glory later that year with victory over Wrexham in the final, although they missed out on the play-offs by seven points.

That appeared to galvanise them as they enjoyed a historic 2023/24 campaign, finally ending their play-off hoodoo by beating Solihull Moors on penalties after a third-placed finish.

Having picked up the Manager of the Month award on two occasions that season, Bromley showed no signs of letting up in their maiden campaign in the Football League, where they consolidated in 11th.

They also reached the FA Cup third round for the first time in their history, earning a trip to Newcastle United, before Woodman was rewarded with a contract extension in August 2025 until the summer of 2028.

Their remarkable rise continued last season as they secured the League Two title with two games to spare, ensuring they would be playing third-tier football for the first time.

What’s next?

Breaking new ground had been a defining characteristic of Woodman’s reign, and they started the season promisingly with a narrow victory at Barnsley before sharing the spoils with Cambridge United.

However, they soon learned the harsh realities of life in League One with a 7-2 loss to Sheffield Wednesday and a 5-0 defeat against Leyton Orient, and they have struggled to arrest their slide down the table since.

A 2-1 home victory against Huddersfield provided hope of a turnaround, but five defeats in a row in all competitions have prompted Woodman’s departure.

With the leakiest defence in the division and goals drying up, the Ravens have struggled against the teams competing in the upper echelons of the table this term, with their defeat to Leicester pinpointing their struggles at the back in an abject display.

Owner and chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves released a statement on Woodman’s sacking, recognising the lasting impact of his time in charge.

“It’s no surprise that this club has reached new heights and Andy has been fundamental in helping us achieve that,” he explained.

“I would like to reassure our supporters that we will be entering this new chapter with the same ambition and determination to keep moving this football club forward.

“On a personal note, Andy has been a pleasure to work with, and I wish him all the best for the future.”

Having gone more than five years without sacking a manager, there is an element of uncertainty about who they turn to next in the dugout.

Ex-York City boss Stuart Maynard and Dean Brennan of high-flying Barnet have been touted for the vacant post, while Darren Ferguson, Gareth Ainsworth and Michael Duff all boast a wealth of experience at this level and could help steer them away from trouble.

It’s a vital period for the Ravens, who face three of the bottom four over the course of the next week. Former defensive stalwart Webster has resurgent Peterborough as his first test tomorrow ahead of trips to MK Dons and rock-bottom Wigan Athletic.