Elliston relishing return to Ramblers

Lee Elliston knows he’s got a job on his hands when the new season kicks off after returning to take charge at Ryman North Burnham Ramblers.

Elliston, pictured, replaced Keith Wilson at Leslie Fields last week after his predecessor took charge at Heybridge Swifts as the successor to Jody Brown who left the Ryman North club earlier this month to manage Grays Athletic in the Ryman League’s top flight.

The 32-year-old Elliston resigned from the hot-seat at Woodbridge Town to return after leaving his post as a first team coach at the Ramblers back in January to manage the Eastern Counties Football League outfit.

Elliston’s previous management and coaching experience also includes spells at Ipswich Wanderers, Barnston AFC and Henley Athletic. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s 3-1 friendly defeat at home to Ryman North play-off winners Witham Town, he told the club’s website he’s more than ready to take on the challenge.

He said: "It is an unforgiving league and requires the right amount of focus and hard work. I certainly feel as though I am ready to work hard at this level to build on what the club has achieved and play a part in progressing the club on and off the pitch.

"You don't get any easy games in the Ryman league but we will work hard to be competitive throughout the season, providing an organised, enjoyable atmosphere for players to better themselves."

Elliston was delighted to get the chance to return to manage the Essex club and added: "Receiving an approach to become manager came out of the blue and unexpected but as soon as it was received I was obviously interested in having discussions with the club.

"The discussions went well and were very positive. It would have been easy for me to jump at the chance after enjoying my six months at the club but I wanted to remain level headed and consider the job and the task ahead.

"The club has moved on since winning the ESL title by retaining Ryman status and setting up an academy and U21 side to develop players while supporting and pushing the first team squad in coming seasons.

"Burnham Ramblers are a progressive club moving in the right direction and the opportunity to become manager is one that I thank the club for giving me.

"It is great to be back, it almost feels like I have never been away. I had that feeling of coming back from a long trip and seeing family at the airport when I walked into the changing room after the friendly at Canvey Island on Tuesday.

"We have the back room staff in place with Dave Patient as Director of Football and Leon Woodford as first team coach. Both will continue to do a great job and the BRFC family goes from strength to strength."

Image courtesy of www.greenun24.co.uk