03/4/09

Lewes Youth Team Manager Jason Hopkinson confirmed after the Sussex Youth Cup win on Thursday that the current youth management team will be staying with the club next season.

Hopkinson jointly manages the team alongside Steve Ibbitson, who is currently also the senior squad’s Caretaker Manager, with assistance from Steve Eke.

With the current situation at the club, there had been speculation that the three might be leaving at the end of the season, but Hopkinson put an end to the rumours.

Speaking after the young Rooks had lifted the trophy, Hopkinson said, “Me, Ibbo and Ekey are all staying, we love the club. We did have a concern and were going to review it later in the season, but we’ve since spoken and irrespective of what goes on, the committee has been fantastic and we’ll be here next season.”

Far from resting on their laurels, work is already underway for the next campaign. “We’re already making plans for next season,” he said. “We’ve got four or five 15 year olds who have already appeared for us this season, we’ll have trials and our pre-season tour in Jersey.”

“We’ve got pre-season friendlies booked with Gillingham and possibly with Charlton and I’m trying to make preparations for the new first team manager by trying to arrange some first team games against league clubs.”

“We’re definitely staying. The club is fantastic and there are some really fantastic people here.”