Harwich and Parkeston FC is pleased to announce its management teams for the 2024/25 season.
At first-team level, Matt Carmichael (pictured) ditches the ‘joint’ part of his manager title following the departure of Sean Tynan and assistant boss Gary Kioussis.
Matt has named Craig Clarke as his assistant manager. Craig spent last season at Little Oakley as part of the management team and is UEFA B licensed.
Glenn Eldridge becomes head coach with Mark Sharp – a former first-team boss who spent last season with the U23s - also part of the coaching set-up. Mark will also take on an analyst role. Colin Rogers will remain as the matchday physio.
Matt said: "I've known Craig for a while and after he announced he was leaving his post at LOFC I felt he would be the right man to come in as No.2 with us.
“He's gained fantastic experience around some good football men at Step 5 and brings some great ideas to our set-up, complementing first-team coaches Glenn and Mark.
“I'm looking forward to getting started with him as a vital part of the team.”
Meanwhile, Didi Gray, another who was part of the U23s set-up in 2023/24, will become the club's general manager.

Under-23s

With Mark and Didi in new roles, there are changes at U23 level, although manager Michael Clarke remains in place.
He brings in Stuart Corner as his assistant, while the experienced Mark Pilgrim joins from Alresford Colne Rangers as coach. Mark Newell will again be the physio.
Michael said: “It was a great first season in Thurlow Nunn U23 League - to finish runners-up is a great achievement and with most of the team staying.
“After losing Mark Sharp and Didi Gray, we now have a new management team and we are all in high spirits that this team can step up once again.
“Stuart and Mark will bring great football knowledge and experience to help to develop these boys.”
Chairman Tony Armstrong added: “I am very pleased that our U23 manager Michael Clarke is continuing his work next season.
“He, along with his management team, turned the team’s fortunes completely around after a slow start and finished, remarkably, runners-up in a very competitive league.
“With Matt Carmichael, Mark Sharp and Didi Gray moving up to new positions with the club, we are pleased to welcome Stuart Corner joining as assistant manager and Mark Pilgrim joining as coach. Mark Newell continues as physio. The club is certainly in safe hands.”

'A' team and Under-18s

Michael Carter and Neil Rutson are taking many of last season’s Under-18 team into adult football with a Harwich and Parkeston ‘A’ team being set up with aim of playing in the Essex and Suffolk Border League – the application is now in.
Michael is still looking for more players to join his squad. Anyone interested can contact him on 07962 398314.
He will be replaced as U18 manager by Luke Harrison, who comes to the Royal Oak from Wivenhoe Tempest.
Tony said: “Luke has joined the club with a tremendous CV and we look forward to the integration of our second-year U18s and the players Luke is bringing from Wivenhoe Tempest.
“It can only strengthen our club and help the youngsters on the route to senior football.
“We welcome Luke, his coach Martyn Rhodes and physio Mark Harrison. We hope they enjoy their time with our club.”
Luke said: “Coming from a club where I have coached for 12 years and been vice chairman is a strange feeling.
“I have always believed in taking a team from the start through to U16s, letting them enjoy their football. I have been fortunate enough to have some lads that have stayed with me from the age of five. I’ve not done this alone though - I’ve had Martyn Rhodes, who has helped me coach manage and support the team and they have got stronger and stronger playing at a very competitive level and bringing home some trophies over the years.
“I’m really happy him joining me in this next step. I have always said, every season, if the boys wanted to be serious about football at U18s, I would find a club best suited for them and with the correct pathway to U23s and first team.
“I am very happy to be here at such a good club with great history. Now all I want to do is get going. I will be doing trials throughout June to get the side ready.
“We are looking for 100% commitment from all the lads, that they are serious about their football which will then aim to get them a chance if they work hard to break into the U23s and first team.
“We can't wait to get going on our new journey. Big thank you to Tony for making this happen and the support I’ve had already.”
Luke and co are staging two trials days for players to try out for the U18 team.
Those in school years 11, 12 and 13 as of September 2024 are encouraged to attend on June 2 and/or 8 between 11am and noon.
The trials will take place on the 4G Pitch at Boadicea Way, Colchester CO2 9BE.