Ex Eagles boss takes the reins at United U23s

Fifty-eight year old Dave is currently a tutor and head of the football academy at Bedford College and joins United following a year’s break from the world of competitive non-league soccer where he has previously worked as manager of Bedford Town and AFC Kempston Rovers.

He is the latest, of 11 new coaches brought in at Biggleswade United, by Guillem Balagué since he became the club’s director of football.

Speaking about his new role where he will be working with coaches, Tony Jones and Abraham Selma, Dave told the Chronicle, “I’d been waiting for the right opportunity to get back into it and Guillem sold it to me with his ambition and with the coaching staff he’s got on board. In football terms it is already beyond step five really.”

“We had a meeting with all the new coaches and a presentation by the new manager and I’m excited about my job as the head coach of the Under 23 development side which will be run on the same lines as teams are in Spain

“I had a one on one with the new head coach (Cristian Colas) and he told me that if I can get one or two players developed per season for him that’s success.

“I wouldn’t join if I wasn’t excited. In the past twelve years I’ve been with just two clubs and now I’m with United I will have 100 % loyalty just as I have had with all the clubs I have worked with. I’m looking forward to it very much.”

“Throughout all the age groups it’s going to be a combination of English and Spanish coaches and I’m really looking forward that link.”

He was keen to emphasise the importance of building the club on a solid foundation: “ You’ve got to have a long term infra-structure. I’ve seen so many clubs at non-league level that throw money at it, then just crumble a season later.”

“The number one thing is that, while it’s great getting all these top coaches, it’s the first team that has to perform, do well and get promoted because otherwise everything below suffers.”

United’s sporting director, Guillem Balagué also expressed his delight at the new appointment.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have David on board with us at the club. His massive experience and enthusiasm is just what we’re looking for and will be invaluable, not just for the players he will bring on but also for the help and guidance he will be able to give to some of the younger coaches that he will be coming into contact with at the club.”

“We are still very keen to find new players for the club and we are going to be holding further trials at the club from the 23rd to the 25th of June and any one interested in attending can get more information at [email protected] “

“But for now this is really good news for all concerned at Biggleswade United,” he added.