A Lowestoft Town legend is returning to the club as the newly appointed manager.

Eastern Daily Press: Lowestoft's Jamie Godbold in action during the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round match at Princes Park, Dartford. (Photograph by Daniel Chesterton, phcimages.com)Lowestoft's Jamie Godbold in action during the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round match at Princes Park, Dartford. (Photograph by Daniel Chesterton, phcimages.com) (Image: phcimages 2010)

Jamie Godbold has been appointed as the new Lowestoft boss – and he expressed his pride at returning to his 'hometown club.'

In a glittering playing career, which included trophies aplenty in 500 appearances for Lowestoft over 13 years, Godbold is back at Lowestoft five years on from his final appearance in a blue shirt.

The 38-year-old fans favourite admitted the 'lure' of Lowestoft, mixed in with the 'history and good memories' he has with the Southern League Central outfit, had made it a 'tough' yet simple decision.

Godbold will team up once more with former Blues goalkeeper Andy Reynolds as his assistant, after leaving their positions at Wroxham.

Eastern Daily Press: Lowestoft Town celebrate winning the Ryman Division 1 North.; Jamie Godbold with the trophy.; Photo: Nick Butcher.Lowestoft Town celebrate winning the Ryman Division 1 North.; Jamie Godbold with the trophy.; Photo: Nick Butcher. (Image: Archant © 2010)

Godbold said: 'I am excited and really looking forward to it. It is a very proud moment to be managing my hometown club.

'I know what it feels like when Chappo (Micky Chapman) and Ady (Gallagher) talked about having blue blood. Obviously I've had a great affinity with the club and I am delighted to be back,' Godbold admitted.

'I always felt that one day I would like to go back to Lowestoft in some capacity, and I am thrilled to be here. I am a local boy and its always been my ambition to manage my hometown club.

'I have so many good memories – the Wembley final, league titles, Suffolk Premier Cup wins – I've only ever known the club to be successful. The progress the club has made over the past decade we need to stablise and this is a fresh start for the club, for me, the supporters and the board.'

The Trawlerboys confirmed last week that first team manager Dale Brooks had handed in his resignation to the board of directors, after stabilising Lowestoft on the pitch amidst the backdrop of financial difficulties.

With applications sought for the manager's position, Lowestoft moved swiftly to announce Godbold as manager – and the 38-year-old said it had been 'a whirlwind' few days.

He said: 'We were well under way with preparations for pre-season and searching for new players with Wroxham, when Gary Keyzor approached me last week. 'When they came in it was always going to be a tough decision, but the history I have with the club, the good memories I have had over 13 years and the lure of working with my hometown club was too strong. I think Dale (Brooks) done a great job.

'The preparation starts now. This is a new season in a new league, which brings its own excitement,' he added.

'My long term ambition is to improve the club's community feel and have more local players aspire to be part of the club.'

In May 2013, Godbold left Lowestoft for his first managerial position with Kirkley & Pakefield FC. At the time he said: 'Thanks Lowestoft Town FC for being a big part of my life and for all the memories!'

After an impressive spell with the Walmer Road club, Godbold and Reynolds moved to Isthmian League side AFC Sudbury. They led the Suffolk side to the Ryman Premier Division but was dismissed in September 2017 following relegation.

Godbold and Reynolds took charge at Wroxham in January after a managerial shake-up at Trafford Park, but now he is returning to Lowestoft.

Godbold said: 'We have left on really good terms and I wish everyone at Wroxham all the best as there are some fantastic people at the club.'

After Brooks had performed miracles in steering Lowestoft away from relegation, the board of directors moved swiftly to appoint Godbold.

Speaking on behalf of the board of directors, Gary Keyzor said: 'This is fantastic news as Jamie is a great acquisition for the club.

'The other applicants we had would have all been suitable, but we are thrilled to have Jamie back at Lowestoft.'