Steve Foley agrees to join Leiston as coach

It is quite a coup for the Suffolk side to land the highly-respected Foley, who won the coach of the year accolade while with Norwich City between spells at Colchester United, Watford and Ipswich Town.

After losing coach Steve Ball to Colchester, Leiston manager Mark Morsley moved swiftly to replace him with Foley, whom he has known since they played together for Clacton Sunday League side Coopers around 25 years ago.

Foley left Ipswich Town in the summer of 2010 when then manager Roy Keane decided to change his backroom staff.

Since leaving Ipswich former Colchester United player Foley, who will be 59 next month, has worked as a freelance coach.

He said: “When I left Ipswich I was going to sign a three-year contract with Tampa Bay Rowdies, but that fell through.

“Since then I have taken things easier and have been working locally with the likes of Lawford, Brantham and Needham Market and I also went to Tottenham and worked with the Youth team.

“Mark Morsley approached me and it is the best offer I have had locally so far. It is a very good set-up and they are an ambitious club.”

Foley confirmed that his new role means he will not be able to act as a summariser for Radio Suffolk on Saturday afternoons.

“I really enjoyed that. It is another side of the game, but my first love is coaching, although I may still do the odd game here and there when available.”

Morsley said: “Steve’s appointment will raise everything about the club in terms of professionalism on-and-off the pitch.

“It is an open-ended agreement, but he is joining for next season and I expect he will be here as long as I am and as long as he feels he wants to be.

“His passion is coaching and being involved with football teams, but he has always looked for the right position for not only himself but also his family.

“He will be committed to us on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.”

Morsley said Lee Norfolk will continue as a player-coach at Leiston next season.