Attacking duo arrive as joint-boss departs

Cornard United have signed two more players this week in a bid to add to their firepower up front, writes Ken Watkins.

Former Stanway Rovers striker Christian Walsh has returned to football after taking time out at university, and has signed, along with Jack Graham, previously with AFC Sudbury Academy.

“Last season we lacked a bit up front,” said manager Liam Aves. “Both players have been training with us pre-season, and impressed, and signing them means a bit of competition for places up front.”

Aves has moved from joint manager to manager following the departure of Ryan Lines last week. The imminent arrival of a second child prompted the decision.

“I thought long and hard over the summer and couldn’t find a solution to juggle my family and football,” said Lines, who had not been involved in Cornard’s pre-season.

Aves has Gary Brennan as assistant manager. They previously worked together at Halstead Town Reserves.

“Pre-season has been going well,” said Aves. “We’ve not been looking to change things too much, we’ve kept the core of last season’s squad, and we are slowly piecing things together.”

Cornard are running Reserve and Under-18 teams this season. The latter has a squad of 22, and Aves is looking forward to bringing some of the younger players into senior football.