Villagers boost management team

Long Melford have added to their management team with the arrival of new joint assistant manager John Pike, and Steve Chisholm becoming player/coach.

Pike has previously managed Earls Colne in the Border League, and Halstead Town Reserves.

Chisholm has played 120 matches for the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division club, and will be combining playing and coaching.

Jamie Bradbury continues as first-team manager, having successfully negotiated a difficult start to his first season in charge.

Mick Garbi, who joined the club last season, moves up from first-team coach to joint assistant manager. He will combine his first-team role with overseeing the newly-formed under-18s.

The first-team set up is completed by Steve Adams, club captain for the fifth season, and physio Brian Dunster, his eighth season at Stoneylands.

Manager Jamie Bradbury said: “We did well last season, finishing in a respectable position in the league after a difficult start, but we all know there are areas that we can and must make improvements.

“With a solid management team now in place, we can prepare for the new season, how we want to play and how we will communicate things to the players so we are all ready for the start of the campaign.

“We can’t rest on our laurels, and we believe this side has a lot of potential, but it will only be reached by hard work, organisation, commitment and desire from everyone.”

Pre-season training starts on Wednesday, June 27 for first and reserve teams.

Any players interested in getting involved with Long Melford FC should email the club at info@longmelfordfootballclub.com

Long Melford Reserves will be competing in the 14-team Division Two of the Essex and Suffolk Border League.