Returning Baker Golds new boss

Returning Ady Baker will lead Littlehampton Town Football Club's charge next season.
Erin Barnett in action for Littlehampton last seasonErin Barnett in action for Littlehampton last season
Erin Barnett in action for Littlehampton last season

Baker, who spent three seasons as Golds reserve team manager from 2009, has agreed to return only this time as first-team boss.

Littlehampton found defending their Southern Combination League Premier Division title tough last year and could only muster an 11th-placed finish.

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But Baker is hoping he can be the man to push Golds on once again next term, having been part of Mark Bennett’s backroom team in their title-winning campaign.

And, following a year away from the game, Baker is eager to get back and bring success to Littlehampton.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have been offered the job and can’t wait to get started now.

“I was here for three seasons as reserve team manager and I really enjoyed that time.

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“What Mark Bennett achieved here was great and to have been involved in that was fantastic.

“I wasn’t around last season but George (Gaskin) done a good stabilising job, now it’s for me to try and kick us on.”

Other than managing Golds’ reserve team, Baker’s only first-team management experience came as joint-boss of then West Sussex League side Clymping.

Despite this being his maiden venture into management alone in first-team football, Golds’ new boss is hopeful he can succeed.

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He added: “Anyone that knows me will know I want to win and want to be successful in everything I do.

“I know the club well and want to do the best possible job I can for them. I haven’t managed to chat with any of last seasons side yet but I’m hopeful of getting the vast majority here.

“I’d like to add a couple aswell to try and push us on up the table next season.

“It’s a role I can’t wait to get started with now but one I know will not be easy.”

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Golds chairman Rob McAlees admitted his delight after getting Baker back on board.

He said: “I always like to have people with Littlehampton connections at the club and Ady has that.

“He was reserve team manager here for a while and has great connection with us.

“Littlehampton is a unique club and I always want to have someone from the area or with previous experience here to be at the forefront of what we do.

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“I’m delighted Ady has agreed to become manager and I’m sure he will be successful with us.”

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