Boardley agrees new coaching role

The midfielder, appointed last season by former Blues boss Richard Wilkins as his assistant manager, is looking forward to working with Driver and head coach Tony Kinsella in a playing and coaching role.

The Blues say both Driver and Kinsella were keen to utilise the 31-year-old former Torquay United, Ipswich and AFC Sudbury midfielder's experience and quality to make a difference on and off the pitch in the Ryman League's top flight.

Boardley said: "I am delighted to be staying at Victory Road next season. My position was a little up in the air following Richard Wilkins` departure but both Glenn Driver and Tony Kinsella were very keen for me to stay.

"I learnt and gained a lot of experience under Richard and hope to continue that working with Glen and Tony next season. Leiston is a great club and I am looking forward to concentrating a little more on playing next year whilst still getting involved with the coaching aspect alongside Tony.

“It was tough last season to fully dedicate myself to Leiston with a young family and a business to run, so I am pleased just to be able to concentrate my efforts more towards my playing role."

He added: "I am really looking forward to the new season and as ever we will try to improve upon the solid foundations and great league position we achieved last year."

Driver is back in the hot-seat at Leiston after being named as the successor to Wilkins last week having previously managed the Blues between 2005 and 2006 before transforming the fortunes of the Suffolk club's second string last term and guiding them to a top six finish.

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