East Bergholt boss believes his youthful squad have bright futures

East Bergholt United manager David Goodchild believes something special may be brewing at the SIL Senior Division club.

Goodchild oversaw a big change in his squad over the summer and the average age of the first team has dropped quite dramatically.

“We have had a change in personnel since last year and our average player age is now in the low 20s,” said Goodchild, whose team is knitted together by experienced campaigners, Gary Hammond, Aaron Skeggs, James Heathcote and inspirational skipper Ben Bibby.

“Our teenage full-backs Kieran Clarke and Jordan Peck, along with talented midfielder Jamie McGrath, are currently keeping out more seasoned campaigners.

“With youngsters you get that fearless approach, but there is often inconsistency. They can drift out of the game but I believe if we stick with them they will develop into fine SIL senior players, much like current first-team regulars Scott Fryer, Tom Wilson, Graeme Butcher and Liam Powell have done.”

Goodchild’s side have lost just once in their last five league games and face Achilles next Saturday in the Bob Coleman Cup quarter-final.

“There is a great togetherness within the dressing room and that will be needed if we are to progress further in the Bob Coleman Cup,” Goodchild, whose side host Grundisburgh today, explained.

“Whilst we strive to finish as high as possible in the SIL Senior division, our only chance of silverware is this cup.”

He added: “They (Achilles) won’t relish their trip to Gandish and though they have beaten us twice this season, I believe we are now playing better as a side.”