SOCCER: Stowmarket Town manager Mel Aldis came close to pulling off a major signing scoop.Aldis sat next to French star David Ginola on a plane back from Monaco and informed the Everton winger all about his Jewson League club.

By Elvin King

STOWMARKET Town manager Mel Aldis came close to pulling off a major signing scoop.

Aldis sat next to French star David Ginola on a plane back from Monaco and informed the Everton winger all about his Jewson League club.

"He was also interested to learn about the Earl Soham Victoria team I managed to win the Carlsberg Pub Cup final at Wembley Stadium in 2000," said Aldis.

"David was a very genuine man and he showed his true colours when he stayed for ten minutes talking to two young fans after we arrived back at Luton Airport after midnight."

Aldis asked Ginola about signing for Stowmarket and playing for the club that is sitting handsomely in the top six of the Premier Division of the Jewson League.

"Although he is not getting a game for Everton, he thinks travelling to Suffolk to play is too far," quipped Aldis. "But he did show an interest."

What was Ginola doing on a plane back from France? Well, don't be surprised to see him sign for Monaco during the summer!

Aldis was coaching young players who are on the books of top clubs in the south of France. He was joined by coaches from Italy, Holland and France and goes back in June for five more days. He travels to France around five times a year.

A FINAL reminder that all places are virtually filled for the Achilles tenth reunion dinner. This eagerly-awaited bi-annual affair is being held at the Novotel Hotel, Ipswich at 7.30pm on Friday, May 17.

President Dave Routh is hoping for around 100 guests and at the most recent count 80 tickets had already been sold.

Guests include John Eastwood and Allan Girot and the MC will be senior vice president Cyril Garnham. Although the guests will be expected to say a few words, top of the bill will be David who asks latecomers to ring him on 255680 for the few tickets left.

SPROUGHTON Sports Football Club are preparing to resurrect their summer five-a-side tournament.

The competition was last held in 1987 but it was decided to run it again in memory of late club president Dennis Mee, who died last year.

A new trophy has been produced by one of the Sproughton players and re-named the Dennis Mee Memorial Shield.

The competition opens on Monday, May 20 and operates on a league basis with the finals being staged on Saturday, June 1 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Entry is £10. Clubs that would like to enter and have not received an entry form should contact club secretary Mrs G Studd on Ipswich 747017.

ASPIRING football team managers have an opportunity to take part in two courses designed to raise junior club's standards.

The courses, run by the Suffolk FA in conjunction with Ipswich Town's community project, cost £55 and are aimed at managers or coaches of any junior or mini soccer team.

The first course is being held at Portman Road on May 28, June 1 and June 6. The second is at Bury St Edmunds' West Suffolk College on July 9, 11 and 13.

To book a place or for more information contact Suffolk FA on Ipswich 407290.