Leiston Football Club are pleased to announce Neil Smye as the Club’s new Lead Development Coach, after the Blues undertook a review of their current coaching structure below first team level.

Neil will be responsible for the progression of players within the club from Eastern Junior Alliance (EJA) age groups through to U18s and reserves, thus helping define pathways through these teams and into the first team.

With 15 years of coaching experience at Colchester United, Neil has a wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable to our young players.

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A number of Lead Coaches have also been appointed.

While leading the coaching structure overall, Neil will also lead the reserves. Sam Burman will lead the U18s, having coached the Club’s current U16s alongside Owen Hammond for four seasons. Dale Threadkell, will soon return to coach the College programme at Kesgrave High School, as well as supporting with other areas of coaching at the Club.

Owen Hammond will oversee the recruitment and coaching of a new U13 squad for next season, as well as be part of the coaching set-up for the reserves and U18 squads. He will also lead recruitment across all Development squads.

Meanwhile, our Saturday youth football structure remains unchanged.

Director of Football at Leiston, Dave Williams said: "All these positions are vital to the Club’s continued success and pathways for our young players.

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"The recent departure of reserve team manager Ryan Honeyman, who did such a good job for the Club, has allowed us to take a step back and take an in-depth look at how the Club develops young players, from the reserves down to the age group teams.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Neil and all our lead coaches and we wish them well in these exciting times at the Club."