Experienced Shotley peninsula coach Dan Hart has been named as the new Brantham Athlete reserve team manager.

Former Shotley Rangers and Suffolk County FA Schools coach, Hart takes over along with his current Imps Under-18s assistant manger Kev Battersby, following the surprise resignation of Craig Clarke, due to personal reasons.

Dan Hart and his bacroom staff in FA Youth Cup action (Picture: Nub News)

Brantham is a club close to Hart's heart after his dad Brian was a renowned striker back in the day, while his son Luke has played in the youth system.

I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to step up as Reserve manager at Brantham Athletic a club which means a lot to me," said Hart.

"Anyone watching our U18 Thurlow team will see the same management team of myself and Kev Battersby on the sidelines, which will hopefully help the younger lads in future years with their transition from youth to senior football. 

"Moving up was out of the blue following the resignation of Craig Clarke who has done a fantastic job with the U18's before me and over the last two seasons with the reserves who had a tremendous season considering the majority of the squad were U19's.

Dan Hart developing players (Picture: Nub News)

"Craig had built a fantastic team spirit and he will be a big loss to the club and will be a tough act to follow."

Developing homegrown talent a big factor for Hart with a number of Pip Boyland's current first team having been brought through Brantham's youth system.

Hart added: "We're excited about this opportunity and hope to help build and develop this talented group of players for our teams and ultimately for their progression to Pip's first team."

Dad Brian played for Brantham in 1965