Pitchero Non League

Haughley play in the Suffolk & Ipswich Senior Division, while the reserves have just been promoted to play in Intermediate A, but both teams faced an uncertain future following the resignations recently of two key committee members. However, at an open meeting called to help save United, Al-Aride – a goalkeeper at the club – took the reins and will be supported by several other figures, including current secretary Lee Forsdyke, treasurer Ian Wilkinson, former manager Gary Nunn, who has agreed to become groundsman and Shaun Wright, who will be general manager.

“Haughley United is a really good club and a lot of support comes from the local area. It is too big a landmark not to be here any more,” said Al-Aride, 39.

“I will still be playing but whether I will make the reserve team or the first-team is up to the manager!

“As for off the field, I have not had much time to think about what I want to incorporate with the committee but we will look at the possibility of starting a vets team and look at how we can push the youth side forward.

“They are long-term visions but in the short-term we have made the club stable and now it is a case of looking after our players and making sure they have everything they need to help keep the club in the top flight of the league.”