Essex Senior League side Eton Manor have a new manager for the 2012/13 season. Luke Giddings, who at only 24 years of age, must be one of the youngest managers ever in the non-league game takes over from Kevin Durrant who left at the end of the 2011/12 season.
The Cold End asked him a few questions about his footballing life so far and his plans for the club this season.
Football History
I am a UEFA B qualified coach which was done at the David Beckham Academy and I also have a degree in 'sports science with professional football coaching' at the University of Greenwich. I spent two weeks working with the first team at League 1 side Yeovil Town FC thanks to a unique opportunity from Terry Skiverton whom was their Manager at the time.
I played at Leyton and in the Stansted league winning side and for three seasons prior under Terry Spillane (now manager of Maldon and Tiptree). I was Assistant Manager at Cheshunt last season under Dave Bricknell and outside of non league I also work within youth football running soccer schools and doing private one on one coaching.
Plans for this season
I aim to improve on Eton Manor's League position last season which should of been higher (14th of 18 teams)and also improve the very young squad we have. Also to bring up a lot of surprises along the way, turn some heads and we'll see where that will take us
Luke has signed goalkeeper Sam Tanner (previously played at Leyton, Waltham Forest, Stansted and Enfield 1893 FC), John Bricknell (Leyton, Stansted and Enfield 1893 FC), Joe Johnson (Stansted) and Craig Wood (Stansted & Redbridge) as well as keeping some of last season's squad in Jack Leechman, Tommy Phillips and Jake Giddings (Luke's younger brother who was top scorer for Manor last season netting 12 times from midfield) amongst others
Manor have two friendlies arranged and both will be played at Waltham Abbey's Capershotts ground where Manor are currently ground sharing. They welcome Waltham Forest on Wednesday 25th July (7.45pm) and face their landlords on Saturday 28th July (3pm). There are no league fixtures released as yet for the Essex Senior League but in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Manor travel to face ESL rival's Bowers and Pitsea on Saturday 11th September and in the FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round they have a trip to Ipswich Wanderers (of the Eastern Counties Division One) on Saturday 1st September.
Game most looking forward to
Looking forward to going back to Stansted next season & also Takeley as the pitch is always good !!
The Cold End wishes Luke the very best of luck at Eton Manor this season. If your on twitter you can follow him @l_giddings123
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