Town Appoint Lee - 27 June
 Lydney Town have appointed defender Mark Lee as their new first team manager to replace Neil Hook who is standing down due to work commitments after three seasons in charge.
The club wishes to thank Neil for all his efforts especially after taking over the position at a difficult time following the clubs relegation from the Premier Division.
Mark (picture) is well respected on the local football scene and his previous clubs include Viney Hill, Ellwood and Whitecroft before joining the Town. He is looking forward to the task of continuing to take the club forward following the good work initially set out by Stuart Liddington, Kevin Pegler and then Neil Hook. Lee told the committee that he is actively looking for an assistant along with a few new signings to freshen things up and high on his agenda is a new keeper. He has also announced that he will be taking a back seat as far as playing is concerned but insisted that there are enough cup games in the Hellenic League for him to keep himself match fit and at the same time have a good look at some of the talented youngsters currently pushing for a 1st team start.
Town have once again entered the F.A.Cup and F.A.Vase after last season's successes in both competitions. Training has already started on Tuesday and Thursday, new players are welcome.
Lydney will be hosting a Charity game down on the 'Rec' between a Forest Select XI, being managed by Gary Hurcombe, and former Town fullback Anthony King's new side, Ellistown F.C who play in the East Midlands Counties League, Premier Division. The game is scheduled for Saturday July 9th k.o. 2.00pm and will include a BBQ. The money taken will be shared between the club and local Charities. Other pre-season games pencilled in are Monmouth Town (H) July 16th, Bishop's Cleeve Reserves(H) July 23rd, Ilfracombe(A) on July 30th and Lucas Cwmbran (H) on Aug. 6th. The Town will also travel to Pegasus Juniors on Tuesday August 2nd . Pegasus Juniors have this season transferred from the Hellenic League to the West Midland League.
Town Reserves are also under new management for the new season when George Matthews and Brian Evans take on the role. Last year's boss Roy Davis decided that he was unable to give enough time to the job due to work and family commitments but will still be an active club member. With Matthews stepping up from last season's 3rd team duties that role has been filled by former 1st Team boss Stuart Liddington who will be assisted by local football legend John Hopson who despite his advancing years actually turned out for the 3rd team a couple of times last year. Finally, Lydney Under 18's will once again be playing in the County Youth League where this season's home games have been switched to Monday nights. Manager George Matthews has once again entered his side into the F.A.Youth Cup where last season they gave a good account of themselves only losing 4-3 to Gloucester City with Gloucester's winner coming 8 minutes into injury time. Whilst retaining most of last seasons squad Matthews has also had an influx of quality players from last season seasons Junior U'16's side but the club is always on the lookout for talented players and anyone who would like to try out should contact the club. |
