Just 4 weeks ago the 2021/2022 season came to a close with an action packed draw away to Little Common, you may think the club volunteers then sit back and put their feet up waiting for pre season training to start but unfortunately that is not the case in non league football.

As we draw closer to our Centenary year, sponsorship is being sorted, exciting pre season friendlies are being arranged and a new relationship with Macron Store Hastings to provide the whole club with new kit and equipment is blossoming amongst many other tasks.

Alongside the off the pitch organising there have also been a number of changes within the coaching and management teams.

Firstly, Dan Norwood has decided to step down from his role as manager of the U23s as his off field exploits keep growing and taking up more of his spare time. Dan will continue with his First Team duties as Assistant Manager and I’m sure he will regularly be seen in the stands when he can. We would all like to thank Dan for his efforts during his tenure and congratulate him on helping many young players develop and improve.

Director of Football Mark Shutt has moved swiftly to secure his new management team and we are delighted to announce that Mike Baker has agreed to make the step up from Assistant Manager and he will be joined by David Croydon as Joint Manager as he embarks on his second stint at the helm of the U23s.

David is delighted to take the reigns again and said “when I found out that Dan wouldn’t be carrying on with the U23s next season I was interested in stepping back into the dugout, I had several chats with Mike and we had very similar views on how we felt we could improve an already talented squad, we were then thrown into the deep end to manage the first team vs Eastbourne United when Mark and Dan were stuck in Barcelona due to the storm, Mike and I steered the side to a 2-0 victory and everything felt right so I had a chat with Mark and here we are now”.

Mike has also had another change in his roles in the clubs structure as he steps away from managing the reserve side and has joined up with the First Team as Coach.
Mike had this to say about his new roles;
“Working with Dave was a natural fit, I had the privilege of playing for him with Cal a few season ago and we've worked well together already last season when called upon. We have already began mapping the foundations of our plan for these young lads.

I want to thank Norwood for the opportunity and bringing me on board two seasons ago. Also, thanks to Shutts who has put his trust in me with the various roles I covered last season. Both have been massive for me on a personal level!

I'm really looking forward to getting going next season, both group of lads can be as good as they want to be and it will be a pleasure to work such a pool of talent.”

Mike and David are also pleased to add Ben Brown to their management team, he joins as Matchday Goalkeeper Coach and Physio, a very important inclusion to the team that enables all bases to be covered and give Mike and David support.

We are also happy to announce that Josh Tomkins and Rob Thomsett have agreed to step into Mikes shoes as Reserve Team Joint Managers.
Josh joined up with Mike as his Assistant last season and has enjoyed watching the side develop with a respectable mid table finish and cup semi-final too. When the vacancy came up Josh was keen to take up the reigns and teaming him up with last seasons Development side manager Rob Thomsett is the perfect progression linking the 2 sides aiding in player progression in adult football. Rob was also very keen to take on the role as he thrives to help the progression of youth players into a good standard of Mens football.

Josh had this to say following his appointment;
“Having got a taste last season as Mike's assistant I was keen to put my name forward to continue what we started last season.
Rob and I have inherited a young, hardworking squad which we are confident we can continue to build on. With so many of the youngsters getting a good look in with the 23s and 1st team football last season im sure they will be buzzing to get going and make a good account of themselves again.
It has the makings to be a good season and I'm really looking forward to getting going”.

Pre season starts for the adult sides on Thursday 16th June at 7pm. Anybody who would like to link up with the new management teams is welcome to do so but we would appreciate it if you could email the club on ptfcmatchday@gmail.com with your name, age and a brief playing history so we can plan ahead we would be very grateful.