Ball succeeds Pitt as Blues boss

Former Arsenal FA Youth Cup winner Steve Ball was named by Ryman Premier Leiston as their new manager on Friday.

The 44-year-old made more than 70 appearances for the Essex side and returns to Victory Road as manager after leaving in May 2012 to take up a coaching role with Colchester United’s Academy.

Ball, who was brought to the Blues three seasons ago by former manager Mark Morlsey, won the FA Youth Cup with Arsenal in 1988 before going on to play for Colchester, Norwich and Cambridge United.

He will be assisted by former Stanway Rovers manager Rob Bate with Adam Tann coming in as player-coach. The trio take charge for the first time on Saturday when the Blues travel to Thamesmead Town.

Ball, who has been handed a two year contract as the successor to Danny Laws following his exit last week after less than six weeks in the hot-seat, said: "It's been a turbulent few seasons at Leiston and I must admit when I left eighteen months ago to go to Colchester United Academy I didn't expect to return. It`s an exciting challenge though and one all three of us are very much looking forward to."

A Leiston spokesman said: "Steve has agreed a two and a half year deal with the club and everyone at Victory Road wishes Steve, Rob and Adam the very best of luck."