After a fine season to date Manager Glenn Driver and Head Coach Tony Kinsella have been rewarded with a three and a half year deal with the club. The duo, who took the Reserves to a great sixth placed finish in the Thurlow Nunn League last season in their first season, took over the Blues hot seat from Richard Wilkins in May and haven't looked back since. Their attractive, free flowing football is easy on the eye with the locals responding in their numbers as attendances continue to improve. But it's not just about the first team at Victory Road as the duo continue to put their stamp on the club from top to bottom as Chairman Andy Crisp explains, "To secure the services of Glenn and Tony is fantastic news for the club. As Chairman its been a little unfortunate that over the last few seasons we have had quite a few managerial changes so with these agreements now signed it brings some stability to the club which of course is very important when discussing things such as 3 to 5 year plans and contracts with players etc" said Crisp. "Glenn and Tony have a clear vision in terms of a footballing structure they want for the club and their commitment to us will include working with the youth and Reserve teams (not just the first team). Glenn will continue to assist Damian (Brown) and Matt Murphy in recruiting good young talent to bolster our Reserves and U18s whilst Tony's role as Head Coach will include coaching sessions for all our players including the Academy which we hope will be up and running for next season."
Leiston continue to be challenging for the Ryman Premier Division play-off's and have enjoyed long runs in the National competitions and look set to record a best ever finish at step three. Manager Glenn Driver is very excited about the future at Leiston, " To say I'm happy about extending my stay here at Leiston Football Club is a understatement" said Driver. "This club is in my heart and I'm grateful that the Chairman and the Board feel they can put there trust in myself and Tony Kinsella for another three and a half years. We are building for the future, signing young players who we feel we can develop. Its not just about a first team at this club any longer is about Leiston Football Club as a whole and we need to develop our own youths through a system something that has never really happened here. Yes, we know we are in a results business but after holding talks with Andy (Crisp), Trevor (Elmy) and other members of the Board, I have been told the club needs some stability and they feel myself and Tony are the right team for the job. For a club of this size to offer us this deal proves we are doing something right. We have a long way to go and a lot of work to do to achieve our goals but it's been a fantastic first season in charge at this level. The crowds are getting bigger and our supporters are absolutely fantastic, they want to see a brand of football that excites them. We know there will be tough times along the way but if we stick together I'm sure the future at this club is bright. Personally, I will continue to work as hard i can to build a club we can all be proud of."
Updated 07:13 - 31 Jan 2017 by LFC Media