Boateng gets busy at Leyton
Gordon Boateng, the new manager of Ryman League Division One North club Leyton, has moved swiftly to make major changes at the Hare & Hounds.
Boateng (right) confirmed to nonleaguedaily that he had made appointments both on and off the field that will give the club the best possible opportunity to push on as soon as the artic conditions subside.
Former Bishop`s Stortford number two Boateng is relishing the challenge of turning around the fortunes of an outfit with an impressive past but one that in recent times has had been in the doldrums. But he struck a note of real positivity with the announcement of his backroom team alongside naming a new signings that will give the squad a timely boost.
Checking in at the Essex club over the weekend are a backroom staff that have worked so well and effectively together with the new Leyton boss in the past.
Appointed as player/assistant-manager is Mervin Abraham – still a class performer wide on the flanks – and successful together at Brimsdown Rovers.
Abraham also enjoyed past success at Ryman League level, recently spending time at Harlow Town.
Rudi Geohagen becomes head coach with Glynn Mason also joining the coaching staff, Vic Nikold`s appointment as chief scout/consultant also being rubber-stamped ahead of Tuesday`s scheduled hosting of Harlow Town.
All three worked closely together during Boateng`s tenure as Cheshunt boss whilst they were still a Southern League outfit.
Boateng said: “They are all very good football people. It is great to welcome them aboard. I have known all of them a long time and they are well versed in what is required to succeed as at this level.”
On the playing front, Danny Bleach has signed from Safety Net Associates Kent Leaguers Greenwich Borough, teaming up once more with his old boss from Brimsdown Rovers.
Gavin Taylor, a powerhouse leader of the line, has put pen-to-paper for Leyton from the same side as the excitement of the challenge to cut it at the high level was too good an opportunity to turn down.
Further additions to the new look Leyton are Andre Taiwo, a forward from Blue Square Bet South side Lewes, Craig Charles, an exciting young forward prospect from Harlow Town and in addition, Boateng moved with a military swiftness to secure the signatures of Tom Kemp, 21, a centre half formerly with Leyton Orient, Ashley Thompson also a centre back and previously with Fulham, and Ricky Manderson, who completes the impressive new-look squad.
Boateng finalised by saying: “Although the weather intervened to stop my watching brief from the stands at the weekend, those players currently at the club before my arrival will be given fair opportunity to provide evidence that they fit into my future plans.”
(Dave Griffiths)
