Tommy adds to his backroom staff

Manager Tommy Wright has added two people to his backroom staff.

Dave Bracken has been appointed the club physiotherapist.

“Dave is a qualified physio and has plenty of experience in dealing with injuries and how to avoid them,” said Tommy. “He has been with us for the last two matches, and has a business in the town.”

Dave has an expanding physiotherapy business which is based in the Dolphin Centre, and he also has a room at Eastbourne Sports Complex. “I’m born and bred in the town, and first watched the team play in 1989. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to help the club,” he said.

Lee Barrass has been appointed goalkeeping coach in place of Mark Bell who left last month.

“I’ve known Lee for several years, and I dealt with him when he recommended a goalkeeper from Newcastle to me when I was at Corby,” said Tommy. “The goalkeeping position is a specialist area, and Lee has plenty of experience as a keeper and as a goalkeeping coach.”

Lee played Northern League football for several years, before gaining his coaching badges. He has coached Jamie Ashdown (ex Portsmouth), Darryl Flahavan (ex Bournemouth) and Nathan Harker (Newcastle United), and is a coach at Evolution Goalkeeper coaching. He has left Blyth to join Quakers.

“Goalkeepers need specialist attention, and I know what makes them tick. It is a unique area,” he said.

We wish Dave and Lee long and happy stays with us.