Stutes star is new first team coach

AFC Sudbury manager Jamie Godbold and his number two Andy Reynolds will have former Cambridge United, Cambridge City and Histon star Matt Haniver alongside them as their new first team coach when the Ryman League kicks off on Saturday.

Best known for his seven year stint at Histon as they made their meteoric rise through the Non-League pyramid, the 34-year-old Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire FA Skills coach has just enjoyed two successful seasons at the helm of Godmanchester Rover in the Eastern Counties League's Premier Division after injury curtailed his playing career.

Haniver joined the touchline team at King's Marsh this week as Godbold prepared his newly promoted Ryman North champions to kick off off their top flight campaign at home to Dulwich Hamlet. After bringing in goalkeeping coach Jordan Allston and Chris Bond as a new head of recruitment and scouting this summer, Godbold, pictured, said: "I would like to welcome Matt to the club. I know he will be a great addition to our management team. His input will be valued.”

Haniver said: "It was great to cut my teeth and learn my trade at senior level and how to get the best out of players. I have had lots of offers from clubs at Step 3, 4 and 5 but never felt it was the right move. However, after speaking to Jamie and Andy and what they are looking to do, I knew AFC was right for me.”

AFC Sudbury

AFC Sudbury

He added: “It was tough to leave Godmanchester. I had five great years there and they had a great side that were more than capable of playing higher unfortunately promotion didn’t quite come.

"I am now looking forward to my new role, I really respect both Jamie and Andy and they have great knowledge. I know I can learn from them but also believe I can add value to the club, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Image courtesy of www.afcsudbury.com

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Where next?

Good luck to all our Ryman clubs! The Ryman League wishes all its member clubs the very best of luck for a successful 2016-17 season.
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