PETER Crowhurst today confirmed ambitious plans to turn Brantham sports club into a recognised leisure centre - and to take Brantham Athletic back into the Ridgeons League.

By Elvin King

PETER Crowhurst today confirmed ambitious plans to turn Brantham sports club into a recognised leisure centre - and to take Brantham Athletic back into the Ridgeons League.

The successful London-based businessman is chairman of Athletic, and also the village social club.

He lives in Brantham and has played a major part in bringing adult and youth football in the village under one umbrella.

A member of the Mistley A team for ten seasons, and a season-ticket holder at Portman Road, having supported Ipswich Town since 1965, Crowhurst's influence is already being felt.

“I don't want to see youngsters wandering around Brantham with nothing to do,” he said. “I want to give them somewhere to spend their time usefully.”

Brantham visit Capel Plough in the Senior Division of the Metaltec SIL tomorrow. They are third in the table and already have floodlights and a stand that would ensure little work would need to be done to achieve Ridgeons League status.

“We changed the managerial structure last summer and manager Tony Hall, his assistant Danny Mayhew and coach Robbie Rothwell all deserve a pat on the back,” said Crowhurst, who is involved in one of the companies responsible for building Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

“Both Haughley and Grundisburgh are very strong sides and we will continue to do our best to raise our game to their levels.

“We have a tough run-in, but will be using every endeavour to finish as high as possible.

“I think we have stabilised the football club, and now we can look ahead.

“I am pleasantly surprised how quickly this has been done and I am optimistic about the future. We have aspirations to move forward in a five-year plan, but the timing and structure need to be right.”

With their reserve and Sunday sides top of their respective leagues and the Under-18's providing a solid platform from youth to adult football, Brantham are well placed.

A 30-year lease has been signed on the ground and social club, and the club can now apply for grants to improve facilities in the clubhouse.

Mark Morsley, the AFC Sudbury manager, runs a successful financial business in the area and sponsors the first and second teams.

SIL leaders Haughley are at home to Ransomes Sports, and if they slip up Grundisburgh could leap frog them if they beat Crane Sports at home.

Two sides that have moved up the table nicely in recent weeks, Melton St Audry's and Felixstowe United, meet.

Games are running out for Achilles. Alan Middle's side will be desperate for a home victory over Westerfield as they have played more games than other sides in the bottom four.