IAN Gedny's first season of management does not appear, on first glance, to have been too successful.But the striker, who is still playing after taking over the reigns of Metaltec SIL Senior Division East Bergholt from Paul Skingley during the summer, is quite happy with the progress made.

By Elvin King

IAN Gedny's first season of management does not appear, on first glance, to have been too successful.

But the striker, who is still playing after taking over the reigns of Metaltec SIL Senior Division East Bergholt from Paul Skingley during the summer, is quite happy with the progress made.

Bergholt were odds-on favourites at one time to win the Senior Division title last season before losing out to Grundisburgh.

Gedny, who was in that team, admits that Bergholt 'threw it away.' This season's expected title challenge has not materialised after a poor start to the campaign – but he sees plenty of light at the end of the tunnel.

He is happy to compare his first year with Walsham-le-Willows. "Paul Smith took over before the start of last season and they eventually finished fourth after a poor start.

"Paul learned a lot about management and this season the results are being shown with Walsham top of the table and Ipswich Athletic looking the only side capable of knocking them off.

"It is never smooth changing managers and this season is one of re-building. The 2002/03 campaign is the one that should see us back challenging for honours again.

"I have certainly not written this season off and a top six finish is within our grasp. Before losing to Haughley last week we won three consecutive matches without conceding a goal.

"It has been tricky but we are over the worst now. We knew it would be difficult in the early weeks.

"Daren Howell and Dave Ellis left and Danny Mayhew stopped playing. These were big changes and it was not helped when we played Walsham, Ipswich Athletic, Grundisburgh and Achilles in the space of six weeks.

"We have managed to get Daren and Dave back which has been a bonus and I am sure we can look ahead with confidence."

Gedny's comparisons with Smith at Walsham are heightened by his choice of an experienced assistant.

Gedny has former Bury Town boss Tony Hall while Smith opted for former Sudbury Town manager Don James helping him.

"Tony takes all the coaching sessions and is in charge during games," added Gedny. "Bob Tawell is our physio and another important member of our management team."

Gedny is relishing tomorrow's game as he goes head-to-head with his mentor Trevor Wardlaw. It was the latter who was manager at Stowmarket Town when Gedny was proving a big hit on the pitch at Greens Meadow.

"I have a lot of time and a lot of respect for Trevor," said Gedny. "He is a good man manager and reads the game so well. He did wonders with Stowmarket."

Although Bergholt have never used it as an excuse the unavailability of their Gandish Road pitch for the vast majority of last season certainly did not help their cause.

Ditches were dug around the ground during the summer months and so far there has been no problem. The Newton match starts a run of five consecutive home games – which will give the pitch a severe test.

Elsewhere in the SIL, Ipswich Athletic face a tough local derby against Achilles before embarking on a garage music night at their Bourne Vale club, while leaders Walsham-le-Willows are at home to Woodbridge Athletic.

Ransomes, who picked up their first win of the season last Saturday, entertain Brantham.