One season may have just finished but planning for the 2017/18 campaign goes on in earnest.

East Bergholt United are delighted to announce their first appointment of the season.

Former Debenham manager/coach Dale Vince is coming over as first-team coach.

Chairman Martin Peck admitted: “Dale will bring a wealth of experience from a long playing career at Bury Town, Diss Town and Woodbridge Town coupled with his coaching experience at Norwich City youth development.

“Dale will have autonomy in devising the pre season programme for the whole club, he will work alongside manager David Goodchild on the tactics, playing style and selection of the first team for next season.

“We know how sought-after Dale was with a number of SIL senior clubs vying for his services, we are delighted that he has decided to join us. We at East Bergholt are striving to recreate our heady days of from 2004 when we won the SIL senior title three years on the bounce, appointments of the likes of Vince will help us achieve this.”

Vince is a stickler for fitness and the East Bergholt boys will know that they are in for a tough pre-season when they report back on the first Monday in July. Pre-season friendlies are taking shape, we still have some gaps and would be interested if Thurlow Nunn, Border League or SIL division one clubs are looking for fixtures.

Vince replaces Ben Swan who has been the first-team coach for the past three seasons.

Peck added: “‘Swanny’ was a popular and hard-working chap around the club, he will be missed. He is ambitious and wants to test himself further.

“He has take a position at neighbours Brantham.

“I wish to thank him for all his help. I would also say coaches like players move on to other clubs, if it doesn’t work out he would always be welcome back at Gandish Road.”

GRIEFY

Send me your non-league notes and let everyone know how your club is preparing for next season. To reach me by Tuesday 10am for print in the EADT and Ipswich Star.... mike.bacon@archant.co.uk