CHESHAM UNITED have a new manager – and new tenants as well which they hope will help them finance a serious promotion push next season.
The Southern League Premier club sacked long-serving Andy Leese last week after over a decade at the helm, with their ambition of reaching the Southern League play-offs not being realised, forcing chairman Brian McCarthy into “a very difficult decision”.
It's been a busy week at The Meadow as not only do they have a new management team, but it has been confirmed they have a groundshare in place for next season as well.
Southern League Central side Aylesbury United will be moving in this summer, and have signed an option for an extra year.
On Thursday, Chesham announced Leese's replacement as they look to end the current campaign on a high.
Former United captain Danny Talbot returns to the club and will join Jon Meakes with the duo working as joint managers.
McCarthy believes the decision will be popular with supporters as they look to mount a promotion push next season.
“I'm delighted Danny has chosen to return to the club and I am confident that he will work very well alongside Jon Meakes in bringing some continuity from where we have reached in recent seasons as we look to move forward,” he said.
“Danny will also sign up as a player, bringing us some experience both on and off the pitch. I am sure supporters will join the board and I in welcoming Danny back. I am looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with them both as we aim to move the club forward.”
Aylesbury United are moving in next season, which could free up extra finances for the new management team to work with. But that means the club are likely to have to withdraw their reserve team from the Spartan South Midlands League.
“It was a difficult decision to make as we know that it will have implications on our ability to field a reserve side,” the chairman added.
“However, we are keen to be able to help our neighbours to secure their future and, unfortunate as it is, there is a reality that financing a football club at this level is not getting any easier.
“The board has had to look at the financial opportunity that the groundshare offers to not only help secure our own immediate future, but help with our ambitions of pushing for promotion next season.
“It is of paramount importance to us as a club that we continue to provide the facility to play football to as many players as possible in the area, and we will be working with the management to ensure that relationships continue to develop between both the youth section and the academy.
“I understand that these seem like turbulent times, but it is a real positive that we are getting ourselves in shape at the tail end of this season to ensure that we go into the close season with a clear vision of hopes.”
