Long Sutton appoint Joof as excited chairman Preston sets his sights on promotion

Chairman Paul Preston is predicting an “exciting future” at Long Sutton Athletic after confirming Omar Joof as the club’s new boss.

Former Holbeach United midfielder Joof, who also enjoyed a fine spell for Sutton before moving on to Moulton Harrox and the Tigers, was confirmed as Matt Cawthorn’s successor at an AGM on Monday night.

The Gambian – whose last managerial role was with Holbeach United Reserves – will be assisted by Bruce Poynter and has been charged with improving on what Preston calls “another disappointing season” by challenging for promotion from ChromaSport PDFL Division One.

The appointment comes a week after Cawthorn was sacked as manager for allegedly refusing to work as a number two under Joof, who he claimed was approached behind his back by Preston.

“We’re delighted to announce that Omar and Bruce will be our new management team,” said Preston. “They have worked together before and it is a very exciting partnership for us.

“I’m delighted to welcome them to the club and I think we have an exciting future under Omar’s management.

“Obviously, we’d like a much-improved season. Last season was a bit of a disappointment, so it goes without saying that we’d like to do much better.

“I’d like to see us go for the title, but we have to at least be looking at going for promotion.

“You only have to look at what our neighbours Sutton Bridge United have done. We’d like to emulate that if we can.

“I’d also like to thank Matt Cawthorn for his service to the club as manager over the past few seasons. The club wishes him well in whatever he does next.”

Sutton have also announced that Liam Burton will run their Reserve team next season, assisted by Jeremy King and Vinny Mackie.

The Magpies, who have a veterans team too, will run an under-13 and under-10 side next season as well.

Any players who wish to play for any of Sutton’s sides next season can register their interest by calling Sean Gedney on 07572 532390.