SOCCER: THE future looks bright.So says the vice-chairman of relegated Felixstowe and Walton United, Chris Hunton.On the eve of their first game in the First Division – at unglamorous March Town – Hunton looks ahead with optimism.

By Elvin King

SOCCER

THE future looks bright.

So says the vice-chairman of relegated Felixstowe and Walton United, Chris Hunton.

On the eve of their first game in the First Division – at unglamorous March Town – Hunton looks ahead with optimism.

Much of his faith is centred on the youth scheme that the club put in place when Hunton and chairman Tony Barnes moved across from SIL Walton United two years ago.

Paul Adams remains as manager after Felixstowe finished above just one club in the Premier Division last season – Swaffham Town.

"Our finances are not what we would like, but we will be fielding two Under-18 sides this

season, and we have a host of promising youngsters throughout our youth sides," said Hunton.

He added: "To be fair the writing had been on the wall for the senior side for a number of years. Felixstowe Town ended bottom the season before the merger but were reprieved because clubs were re-shuffling.

"In our first year we did well to start with under Steve Bloomfield and Craig Oldfield, but last year it was a struggle. I feel sorry for club stalwarts like Dave Ashford, Phil Griffiths and Chris Ryan.

"We want to get back into the Premier Division and with our young talent coming through I am sure we will do one day. The sooner the better."

The changing rooms being some distance from the Dellwood Avenue pitch may pose problems if Felixstowe do finish in a position where they can be promoted.

"We have talked with the local council and plans have been drawn up to enlarge the clubhouse," added Hunton . "We have also looked into moving the dressing rooms nearer the pitch."

Adams has kept most of his players and will be looking for new signing Ismael Etti to add to the goals tally. He has moved from SIL Ipswich Athletic.

Robbie Fuller scored 14 times last season and he could form a good partnership with Etti. Ross Charters remains in goal with Nicky Barker having a big part to play in defence.

The experienced player will still have Paul Ager beside him with Andy Clarke set to play

whenever his London Fire Brigade duties allow.

Needham Market, now managed solely by Colin Macrow, have signed former Tottenham player Blake Saker from Capel Plough. They begin their fixtures with a home match against Downham Town.

Hadleigh visit Haverhill Rovers with Louis Newman still in charge, while Whitton will be looking for an improvement now that Mark Manning has joined Kevin Cunningham's

management team.

They are at home to one of the league newcomers, Godmanchester. In the FA Cup Ipswich Wanderers, now managed by Graham Bickers, travel to fellow Jewson League club and FA Carlsberg Vase finalists, Tiptree.