Alfie pledges to turn Bels around
BELS have moved quickly to put their dismal 2017-18 campaign behind them and found a new first-team coach with Alfie Le Page agreeing to take on the role of Priaulx boss with immediate effect.
The club ended the season without a coach after Charles Pinsard quit mid-season and Ant Austen, who filled in on a temporary basis, stepped aside.
But Le Page is determined to put things back on an even keel.
‘As an ex-Belgrave, it saddened me to see Bels propping up the Priaulx table.
‘Having taken some time out, I’m pleased to have been offered this challenge, and am already looking forward to working at the Track again.
‘My aim is to return Bels to a competitive Priaulx side, initially with the current squad, but hopefully between us we can add some new – and maybe old – faces to help improve the squad.’
Previously Le Page had mixed stints at both St Martin’s and Rangers, more latterly at St Andrew’s where he steadied the first-team ship before being edged aside in favour of Nathan Thomson.
Bels president Keith Mansell said they had been talking to Le Page ‘on and off for a few weeks and had wanted some time to think about it’.
But Mansell, who steps aside after seven years in the club president role next week in likely favour of Andy Robert, said he believes Le Page is the right man at the right time.
‘He was very realistic about the challenge ahead and the expectations.
‘But he has got a feel for it [coaching] again and I’m really pleased he has come on board.
‘Andy [Robert] and I met with Alfie on Sunday night and it was clear that we share common ideas and goals to achieve our aim of restoring Bels fortunes.
‘The players have already indicated that Alfie is a popular choice and we look forward to working to achieve our aims together.’
