Eastaugh rewarded with new deal

Pictured presenting Sam Watts with his 'Players' Player of the Year' accolade, Eastaugh has signed a two year extension to his current contract to keep him at Plantation Park until the end of the 2018-19 season.

Eastaugh, who swapped roles with assistant John Edridge last summer after the duo guided the Norfolk club to their second Eastern Counties Premier Division title and promotion to the Ryman League, was rewarded for his side's ninth-placed finish this time around having flirted with a play-off spot.

After seeing the club fall short by seven points of the top five in their first season at Ryman League level, Norwich United chairman John Hilditch told fans on Wednesday that he had no hesitation in tying down Eastaugh – who will continue with Edridge as his number two – to a longer deal.

Hilditch told edp24.co.uk on Wednesday: “I thought he did exceptionally well last season. Especially as it was our first season at that level. That’s why it was right that we extend his deal by two years.

"Steve did say we would finish in the top 10, that was his intention, and that is what he did. He was obviously hoping we would finish in the play-off positions but that wasn’t to be, although we came close.”

With Wroxham relegated and Dereham finishing 18th, the Planters were easily Norfolk’s best-performing Step Four side – and Hilditch is hoping Eastaugh can go one better next season.

The Planters chairman added: “Where we want to be is the play-off positions. I think Steve can get us there - he is one of those managers who doesn’t shout and bawl like some of then. He has good coaching qualifications and he goes about his job in the right way.”

Image courtesy of norwichunitedfc.com

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