Talbot is back as joint manager

Former skipper Danny Talbot has returned to Chesham United as joint manager following the departure of Andy Leese from the EVO-STIK League Southern's Generals.

The former Rushden & Diamonds and Hemel Hempstead Town midfielder's return to work alongside Jon Meakes as joint-manager was announced on Thursday, six days after Leese left after 11 seasons at the helm of the Buckinghamshire club.

The son of ex-Ipswich, Arsenal and England player Brian Talbot, the 33-year-old is back at The Meadow for a third spell after spending the last two and a half seasons with league rivals Dunstable Town.

Chesham United chairman Brian McCarthy told fans he was delighted to announce the appointment of the popular Talbot until the end of next season.

McCarthy said: “I am delighted that Danny has chosen to return to the club. I am very 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 on the next part of the journey. As well as joint-manager, Danny will also be signed up as a player-coach bringing some experience both on and off the pitch.

“I am sure supporters will join myself and the board in welcoming Danny back, starting with a tough challenge this Saturday at home to title-chasing Chippenham Town, and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with both Jon and Danny as we look to move the club forward.”

There was more good news for fans of the Generals on Thursday when McCarthy also announced details of a new groundshare agreement with EVO-STIK League Southern Division One Central exiles Aylesbury United.

The Ducks have agreed a deal for the 2017-18 campaign with an option for another year and a delighted McCarthy said: "It was a difficult decision to make as we know that it will have implications on our ability to field a reserves side in the South Midlands next season.

"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 and the board has had to look at the financial opportunity that the groundshare offers to not only help to 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."

Reassuring supporters that the Generals are on the up again, he added: "I fully understand that these seem like turbulent times for the club but it is a real positive that we are getting ourselves in shape, and dealing with issues, at the tail end of this season to ensure that we go into the close season with a clear vision of hopes and ambitions for the season ahead."

Image courtesy of nonleague.pitchero.com

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1

Where next?

Final moves before deadline day ... The EVO-STIK League Southern's managers shook up their squads for the last time this season ahead of the final deadline for transfers.
Didcot Town versus Hereford A further statement from the Evo-Stik League Southern is hereby released.

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