Danny Laws returns to Leiston with AFC Sudbury Reserves in Thurlow Nunn Division One tonight, in a game which promises to be a spicy affair.
The former Blues first-team boss, who left his position at Victory Road last season, is now manager of the Yellows’ development squad and will oversee his first game in charge against the Blues’ second-string (7.45pm kick-off).
Just like Leiston counterpart Robert Masterson, Laws’ remit is to develop young players for the first team at Sudbury, and the former Needham Market manager has recruited several young prospects this summer, including some from tonight’s opponents.
“The game will have a bit of a different slant to the rest of the games in the league this season,” said Laws.
“I used to be at Leiston, as did Dave Cannon (assistant manager) and we have recruited some of their under-21 team including Stefano Mallardo who is only 16 and played 90 minutes for the first team against Cambridge recently.
“He is one to watch, while we have also recruited a few players from Cornard under-18s – Joe Chester, Paddy Hawkins, Ben Turner, Josh Sheffield and Cameron Ward, as well as the Kerridge brothers, Josh and Johnny, also from Leiston.
“The game will have a Suffolk rivalry and that added incentive to do well.
“There will be good young players playing football in the right way.
“From a personal point-of-view it will be nice to return to Leiston for the first time. It will be weird being in the away dressing room, although that might bring me a bit more luck!”
Meanwhile Laws insists he has no desire to return to first-team management.
“Not at all, this is where I am now and I am going to give it 100%,” explained Laws.
“It suits me for a number of reasons and I have no ambition to be a first-team manager or assistant.
“It’s (role at Sudbury) nice for me and different and it’s not all about results.
“It’s about developing players and making them better so they can play at a higher level.
“The most important thing is that I have got a bunch of lads that want to learn.
“I will be asking them to be a bit more intense and try and step-up from junior football.”
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