Latest Division 1 North Transfers & News
The two or three weeks of calm following the end of the season are now all but up. Clubs have already started announcing player and management moves ahead of the 2013/14 campaign. We take a look at some of the early movers.
AFC Sudbury:
It has been a busy close season for Sudbury, who have appointed David Batch as first team manager. Batch was most recently at Wroxham, where he turned them into a strong step-4 side.
Barkingside:
Manager Matt Frew has his feet firmly on the ground and admits that next season could be tough, as his side gears up for its first at step 4. Speaking to the Ilford Recorder, he said: “I’m fully confident with the players we have that we can hold our own in this league.
“I’m not saying we are going to win the league but our main aim is to consolidate and I don’t want relegation.
“It will be new and a learning curve but our main objective is to stay in the league and consolidate and build.”
Chatham: Following their annual disappointment at being placed in Division 1 North, Chatham have come to terms with the decision, realizing that they do not actually have much say in the batter. Speaking after a board meeting, Chairman Jeff Talbot said: “This disappointing news was not as we had hoped, based on expectations from both the Ryman League and the FA, that the new expanded divisions would have seen us moved to the Southern division.”
Erith & Belvedere:
Despite leading his side to promotion, Micky Collins resigned and the Deres manager in May. A statement on the club’s website said that Collins felt he had “taken the club as far as he can take them and that certain resources may be lacking to allow for a successful run in the Ryman League North Division. Micky would like it to be noted that he will still be there on the terraces and still a fan of the club and again he wishes to thank his backroom staff for everything they have done for him during his time at the Deres.”
The duo of Chris Cosgrove and Martin Ford have been appointed in Collins’ place.
Redbridge:
After successfully fighting off relegation, it has been all change at Oakside. Former London Bari Chairman Imran Merchant has taken over the club, and acted quickly to oust the management duo of Steve Portway and Del Robinson. Ricky Eaton, who was managing London Bari last season, is to be Redbridge’s new boss.
Romford:
13 of Paul Martin’s squad which finished 8th last season have committed to the club for the following season, while Tom Richardson has also returned after a spell at landlords Thurrock.
Tilbury:
The Essex club were deducted 18 points from their season total, for playing Joel Barnett, who still was still suspended by the West Riding FA. The deduction saw them fall from 7th to 15th in the table. However, both Tilbury and Thurrock are appealing the decision.
Ware:
Gaffer Nicky Ironton has come out in the local press saying he has turned down a number of offers to remain at Wodson Park.
Speaking to the Mercury, he said “I’ve turned down a few offers in the last few weeks,” he admitted.
“Two of them were clubs from a higher level. I’m looking to build something at Ware though and you don’t know whether those clubs are boom and bust ones.
“I’m happy where I am. I made my mind up a couple of weeks ago.
“I’ve got the complete backing of the chairman and we’ve got everyone on the front foot.”
Waltham Abbey:
After another solid season, Abbey have been boosted by the news that James Peagram has re-signed for the forthcoming season, along with the bulk of the current squad.
Witham Town:
Nicky Ironton was apparently not the only manager in demand this close-season.Witham Town boss Garry Kimble has reportedly also turned down a number of other clubs.
Wroxham:
News coming out of Norfolk is that the entire first team squad have re-signed contracts for the coming season. Whether this is a miscommunication or the entire squad has indeed signed contracts remains to be seen. They have also signed Suffolk Player of the Season Dan Heath, on a contract from Hadleigh United.
