Men's football news
After three successful seasons with the Lewes
U-18s, Alex Walsh has decided to step down from his role as manager.
Alex was appointed in June 2015 and has
overseen a huge improvement in youth development during his time with the
Rooks. From a fifth place
league finish in his first season, the previous two terms have seen consecutive
runners-up positions achieved and Walsh leaves the youth team in fine health.
Despite the vast majority of last season’s squad being first years
and U-16s, not only did the young Rooks win the Sussex Youth Cup, beating
Whitehawk in the final on penalties, but just a week later the Isthmian Youth
Cup was also secured, for only the second time in the club’s history.
Players moving up through the squads have also been a massive part of Alex’s ethos and nine players, including Charlie Coppola, Harry Reed, Callum Kealy, Jack Whitmore and George
McCarthy, have made their first team bows after progressing through the
U-18s over the past three season. And with Ross Barclay, Dylan Gifford, Alfie
Headland and Harrison Parker making their first team debuts last season, and
many others breaking into Steve Eke’s Development Squad, the future looks very
bright indeed.
Walsh declared: “It’s been a great three years
that I will remember for a long time. Winning trophies and progressing players
into the first team is what I wanted to achieve and we’ve done this. I would
like to that all the players and staff involved that have made it a great
experience. COYR.”
Taking Alex’s place in the hot seat will be
his right-hand man, Dale Hurley. Dale has a wealth of experience in youth
football and is in the process of completing his UEFA B licence. His
important work with squad over the past three seasons makes him the ideal
candidate to take over the reins.
The club thanks Alex for the tremendous work
he has put into the role and his commitment and passion for youth development has
been second to none. Chairman Stuart Fuller
added: ‘Few can argue about the outstanding success of the U-18s last season
under the guidance of Alex and we will sorely miss him going forward. We
completely understand his ambitions and will certainly track his progress with
interest.
“I’m very pleased that Dale is going to be stepping up into the
manager’s role and look forward to seeing the squad take the next step forward
in 2018/19.”
We wish Alex all the very best for the
future.
Lewes under-18s are holding trials ahead of next season on Thurs 31st May, between 7-9pm on our 3G training pitch. If you think you’ve the ability and attitude to play for our double cup winners email your name/DoB/previous clubs/preferred playing position(s) to kevin.brook@lewesfc.com