Coach banned from the road

A COACH at Ipswich Town's academy today faces an uncertain future after being banned from the road for speeding.

Jonathan Bickers was zapped travelling in his Audi at 53mph in a 40mph zone along London Road at Pinewood.

The 30-year-old performance analyst was disqualified from driving for six months after pleading guilty to the offence before magistrates.

Bickers, of Birchwood Drive, Rushmere St Andrew, said he spent some of his time coaching youngsters, but his job also requires him to travel around the country scouting for new talent for the academy.

He also plays an important role on match days, collating statistics of how first-team players perform and reporting back to the manager and coaching staff.

Bickers admitted he would probably not be sacked as a result of losing his driving licence, but said it might affect his income because some of his scouting pay was on a commission basis.

Representing himself, Bickers added: “I have made mistakes and this won't happen again. I consider myself a good citizen in the community.”

South East Suffolk Magistrates Court was also issued a letter from Ipswich Town's chief scout, Steve McCall, who said he had worked with Bickers for eight years.

He said Bickers was a caring person who coaches youngsters in preparation for footballing life and beyond.

Magistrates endorsed Bickers' licence with three penalty points for the offence, which took place on December 2 last year.

This took him over the 12-point threshold, resulting in his licence being revoked for six months.

He was also fined �150, plus �46 costs and a �15 victim surcharge.