Pic: Bishop’s Stortford FC
NEW Bishop’s Stortford boss Gordon Boateng believes he has put together the perfect backroom staff as the club prepare for the new National League South campaign.
Boateng, who served as Stortford’s head of player recruitment and scouting last season, has replaced Rod Stringer at the Blues after his decision to take over at league rivals Chelmsford City.
And he has moved quickly to announce his backroom team, which includes Roy Essandoh, who hit the headlines in 2001 when he fired Wycombe Wanderers into the FA Cup semi-finals.
He later had three spells with Bishop’s Stortford as a player and returns to the club to become first team coach alongside Glynn Mason.
“I’m very happy to welcome back Roy Essandoh who is a Blues legend,” Boateng told the club’s website. “He is loved by the fans, a true hero but also a gentleman. He has played for the club, so knows what’s expected at the ProKit UK Stadium.”
Goalkeeping coach Steve Wallduck and physio Colin Taylor remain at the club with Vic Nickolds joining as the Blues’ new scout having previously worked for Newcastle United and Watford.
“Steve Wallduck our goalkeeper coach is staying with the club, like the ever so present Colin Taylor who is Bishop’s Stortford through and through,” Boateng added.
“Coming in is Glynn Mason who has been involved in football a long time with the likes of the Crazy Gang at Wimbledon and someone who is hungry to succeed and will be a big asset.
“Vic Nickolds is well respected in the game, especially within the pro game, and has been involved at the top level scouting the best players. I’m very happy to have these fine people involved with the club.”
Meanwhile, Boateng has confirmed that defender Johnny Herd will be the Blues’ new captain with Luis Morrison joining from Concord Rangers and Joe Benjamin coming in from Harlow Town.
Also returning to Bishop’s Stortford are goalkeeper Joe Wright, midfielders Scott Shulton and Ryan Auger and striker Jermaine Osei.
