The pair, who joined Leiston in March 2020, have guided the team through the difficult Covid years, and now have the Victory Road first team on the cusp of Step 2 football. The new contracts take them through to 2026.

“This is something that excites me,” Chris said.

“I’ve shown my commitment to the club over the past three years that I’ve been here alongside Darren and this is the club showing their commitment back to us, which is something we appreciate.

“We can now look to build on what we have here and of course the new 3G Project we have going on, as well as the success we are having on the football field, it really is an exciting time for the Football Club and I’m proud to be part of it.

“I said to Andy Crisp (chair) and Peter Mayhew (vice-chair) when I arrived that I like to work in three year blocks. This is our third year, and we now have another three years to plan.”

Meanwhile Darren added: “We’ve been here three years now, lost 18 months to Covid. So, yes, I’m really excited by the new 3G Project. It’s an exciting thing to be part of, not just the football on the pitch.

“We feel quite proud what we have achieved so far and seeing the build for the future, we’re keen to be part of that.”

Leiston chair Andy Crisp said: “We are really happy to have Darren and Chris with us for another three years.”

“Darren brings his professionalism from his time as a pro player, while Chris is a non-league guru, a fantastic non-league manager. He’s only ever had four clubs in his playing and managerial career, it shows his loyalty.

“There have been other offers on the table for our duo elsewhere, so we are delighted to secure their services for the long term. Stability from the top is important for us and we have exciting plans ahead, which Darren and Chris will be a key part of.”

Meanwhile, Leiston are involved in the match of the weekend in the Southern League Central Premier division on Saturday as the second-placed Blues, head to third-placed Tamworth.

Coalville are still top of the table, but lost at Barwell on Monday, while Leiston picked up six points over the weekend, including a late winner by Adam Mills at Needham Market.

Coalville lead Leiston by a point and Tamworth by three points. Leiston have two games left in the regular season, while Coalville and Tamworth have three.

Pictured are, left to right: Peter Mayhew (vice chair), Darren Eadie, Chris Wigger and Andy Crisp (chair). Photo: BEN CUNNINGHAM