LOWESTOFT Town legend Jamie Godbold will take charge of the Trawlerboys' resurrected reserve side next season at Crown Meadow.

The veteran midfielder has agreed to become part of the Blues coaching staff, whilst still offering his services to the first team, with the club planning to use the second string as a chance to blood its young players. Lowestoft pulled out of the Ridgeons reserve league because they felt the standard wasn't up to scratch, but director of football Craig Fleming believes it could provide the perfect blooding ground for the club's youngsters.

Fleming also feels in Godbold they have the perfect man to head up the new side.

'We are delighted Jamie has decided to stay on board,' he said. 'He will also remain part of our first team plans and we're really pleased he will still be a major part of the club.

'He's definitely the right man to run the reserves for us. We are looking to make it more of an under-21 team because we want to bridge that gap between the under-18 team and the first team.

'Sometimes lads can get lost between that period and it's important they still have somewhere to play and keep progressing. We took our reserve team out originally because the standard wasn't good enough at the time but we want youngsters to use it as a chance to push their claims for the first team.'

Godbold was a bit-part player for the Blues last season although his influence around the dressing room cannot be underestimated, according to Fleming.

That's why Godbold will also be helping coach the first team next season alongside Fleming, Ady Gallagher, Micky Chapman and Dave Carolan.

'I've always said I want Jamie to stay with us,' said Fleming. 'Second probably only to Chappo, he is Mr Lowestoft. He is a real presence around the place and someone that young lads can look up to. Of course he is an FA coach as well so it could be a great education for them.'

The club is looking for players to form this new 'under-21s' reserve side and encourage anyone interested to get in contact with the club.