Club news
Written by: John
Lewes FC are delighted to announce that Ryan Reid will join the Club as Under 18’s Manager.
Reid joins on the back of three successful seasons in charge of Eastbourne Town U18s.
During his time at the club, he guided the side to two cup victories, two top-two finishes in the Southern Combination Football League, and a respectable mid-table finish in Eastbourne Town’s Under 18’s inaugural season in the Isthmian Youth League.
Alongside the team’s on-field success, he played a key role in player development, helping a number of Under 18 players earn first-team opportunities and make the step into men’s football.
Ryan said: “It’s been a massive week and I’m incredibly excited to get started. I’m really looking forward to working with such a talented group of players and helping develop, improve and push the next generation forward at this football club.
“I’ve had some great conversations over the past week, and the alignment between myself and the club has been outstanding. The vision, expectations and ambitions for the future are clear, and after speaking with Pitts (Craig Nelson), I completely bought into the project.
“The pathway and opportunities available for young players at Lewes are first-class, and it’s clear the club is committed to helping them progress into senior football. I can’t wait to get going and be part of what’s shaping up to be an exciting future for Lewes FC.”
Director, John Peel said: “I’m delighted to welcome Ryan and his staff to the club.
“Straight away in our discussions, it was clear that we had a great deal of alignment on the ethos of youth football and I’m sure he and his team will be a great fit for the club.
“This will be a multi-year project in continuing and improving our excellent recent record in youth player progression towards senior football.
“Coupled with the exciting news we will shortly be able to share regarding the clubs commitment to elite youth development below the Under 18’s boys age group, we are beginning to bring to fruition a lot of work we have been doing behind the scenes to enhance our youth pathway”.
Joining Reid’s backroom staff are Peter MacNeil and Steve Blundell.
Peter said: “As someone from Lewes who played in the club’s youth system many years ago, I’m incredibly proud and excited to be returning and becoming part of such a fantastic club.
“I can’t wait to get started and help support the development of the next generation of players.”
Blundell has experience across grassroots, development and academy environments, working with players from U7 to U18 through roles with Chelsea FC’s Player Development Programme, Swerve Soccer and has spent the past two seasons with Eastbourne Town Under 18’s.
Steve said “I’m very excited for this new journey and developing players ready for men’s football.
“This feels like the perfect step in my football journey at this wonderful football club”