FOOTBALL: Gary Bartlett has offered his resignation as manager of Kingsley Healthcare SIL Senior Division Coplestonians.

He will lead his team into action against Grundisburgh tomorrow looking to repeat last month’s performance when they beat the village side 4-1.

But he doesn’t know where his long term future lies – and admits it will be a massive wrench to leave Coplestonians.

“There was what is best described as a political issue and I offered to resign,” said Bartlett.

“I said I was happy to stay to the end of the season and secure our senior status – as we have – or they could bring in a new man straight away.

“It would be a massive wrench to leave after joining the club at 15 and still being involved 30 years later.”

The Copleston School-based SETEC football scheme switched its allegiance from Woodbridge Town to Copleston last year giving the SIL club a major boost with use of some of the most talented youngsters in the area.

But this has posed a few problems according to Bartlett, who explained: “The young lads are a pleasure to deal with and disciplined in their approach.

“And I’m totally behind the SETEC link as it is the best thing that happened to the club.

“But you do not always get the loyalty that you do from dedicated Coplestonian senior players.

“I’ve used 40 players this season, which is too many.

“I’ll only stay as first team manager, and if they want to take over I’ll look elsewhere.

“I love Coplestonians, but it has got to be right – the big changes that have been made recently have to be handled correctly and at the right pace.”

At the top of the table, Felixstowe United have received confirmation that they are being charged by the league for playing an ineligible player on December 5.

The club is expected to request a hearing with the SIL while Old Newton are also the subject of an FA investigation over the use of Lewis Broomfield who was reported to be banned sine die for money owed to Norfolk FA from his involvement with a club two seasons ago.

This could leave the door open to Achilles to take the title in their first season back at senior level. They have a tough game at Capel Plough tomorrow the busy village side having played in the Suffolk Senior Cup final last Monday and against Coplestonians last night.

Stowupland Falcons’ relegation from the Senior Division was confirmed last Saturday and last weekend saw Bramford Road Old Boys and St Edmunds ’65 relegated from Division 1.

BROB reserves lost their place in Intermediate B and Stradbroke in Division Two.

Framlingham Town have joined Saxmundham in promotion from Intermediate B with Walsham-le-Willows A earning promotion from Division Four and Albion Mills reserves becoming Division Five champions.

Trimley Red Devils reserves have secured promotion from Division Six their first season in the SIL.