Following talks between Chairman Jamie Bennett, DOO Zander Shayler and 1st Team manager James Jepson, James has agreed to stay at the club for 2021/22 season.

Jepson was appointed in February 2019 so is now in his second year at the helm. In that time he has transformed the way in which the 1st Team play football introducing a much more eye catching style of play rarely seen at our level. He has pushed on players to higher levels with Wayde Hines signing for Basford United and Patrick Webb and Ben Gowing both joining Mickleover.

Out of his sixty games in charge, over 70% of those games ending in victory with the gaffers twenty-seven home games in charge seeing just three defeats as the Red Badgers racked up over one-hundred goals on home turf.

We caught up with the gaffer and he had this to say;

Jepson on agreeing to stay:
“ It’s great to get things off my chest with the chairman and understand his plans for the club and it still fits for both parties.”

“ I joined the club over two years ago now and it’s been enjoyable seeing us grow as a club, we are Eastwood CFC and not Eastwood Town but I believe we now are back on the map in Nottinghamshire football.”

“ I like the ball passed and us to play quickly with a high level of discipline and mentality which I hope the spectators enjoy who have watched us, I refuse to play the stereotype Non-League football which only gets you so far.”

“ We have seen players go on to play at a higher level and there will be more. Playing for Eastwood will not make you rich but it’s a platform to play good football in a good environment and a shop window to progress”

“ I’ve had two offers in the last three months that I did consider but I have a job to do here and when you think about it, it’s a brilliant job, I have a good relationship with the chairman, Zan & Debs, it’s been annoying for everyone that we haven’t been able to finish the season but we will fight another day.”

Thank you

JJ

In other news Eastwood have entered the proposed City Couriers Football Tournament set to take place in April and May providing the season is null and void and restrictions have been relaxed. The six-teen team tournament includes the likes of Carlton Town, Basford United and Ilkeston Town to name a few. When asked about the tournament Chairman Jamie Bennett said this;

“The tournament is a great idea, its hoped that this will be the start again of football in some normal format as we continue to go through these unprecedented times. The uptake of some great local clubs gives supporters something to relish with such little lack of football in the last twelve months. Some great teams have decided to join this venture and it is hoped that the players, officials and supporters will come out in force to support our local football clubs.”

Jamie Bennett
Chairman

For the full details on the tournament please click here.

Eastwood CFC