TRAWLERBOYS CATCH JAMIE
Godbold is home at Lowestoft
NEWLY appointed Lowestoft Town manager Jamie Godbold is thrilled to be back at his “home-town club” as he sets about reviving the Southern League Central outfit.
The Trawlerboys stalwart – who made more than 500 appearances for the club in a 13-year playing career – announced on Wednesday that he would be leaving his role as manager of Eastern Counties Premier Division side Wroxham to succeed Dale Brooks at Crown Meadow.
Former Lowestoft keeper Andy Reynolds, who was Godbold’s right-hand man at Wroxham, will also be departing the Yachtsmen to return to Crown Meadow as the club look to start a fresh after a testing 2017-18 campaign, amid a backdrop of financial difficulties off the pitch.
Thirty-eight-year-old fans’ favourite Godbold, said that he is up for the challenge of making more memories in his new role at a club close to his heart.
“There’s no doubt that it will be a challenge, but it is one that I am very much looking forward to,” he said.
“I am obviously delighted and also very proud to be appointed as manager of my home-town club.
Sustainable
“Having spent 13 successful years at Lowestoft as a player, I have an affinity to this football club and always felt I would be back at some point, in some capacity. I have made some amazing memories in a blue shirt and it is great to have the opportunity to be able to make lots more.
“Andy (Reynolds) and I have worked with each other since we started out in management and he is an excellent addition to the management team, I am also brining Chris Bond with me; who is another local lad with an eye for spotting talent.”
Godbold will be returning to Crown Meadow for the first time since departing in 2013 to take on his first managerial role at Eastern Counties Premier Division side Kirkley & Pakefield.
After an impressive start, Godbold left Walmer Road to join Isthmian League Division One North AFC Sudbury in January 2015.
He guided Sudbury to Step 3 of the ladder but left in September 2017 after relegation from the Isthmian League Premier Division, before joining Wroxham last January.
The newly appointed Blues boss admitted that the club need to stabilise next term.
“We should strive for sustainable success, more local players playing for Lowestoft with fans being part of the fabric of what we do,” he said.
“Short term, we need to put together a group of players that are competitive enough to win football matches; if we can do that in a way which is exciting to watch then that would be a bonus. We have a profile of player that we want to bring to the football club, and we must ensure that we try to get a good balance while trying to assemble a competitive-looking squad.
“I am realistic, a new set of players within a new environment might take a bit of time to click but I am really excited.”