by Jeff King
Chester-le-Street United may have only just completed both their senior and Academy fixtures for 2021/22 but thoughts and planning for next season are already well underway and the Wearside League will still be in those plans.
The Club can reveal that with it's Senior first XI having been promoted to the EBAC Northern League Division Two they will run a brand new second senior side next season in Division 3 of the Wearside League as it stands.
They will officially be named Chester-le-Street United Reserves and will be managed by Anthony Johnson who last season guided a young Durham United squad to promotion from Division 2 of the Wearside League.
Johnson who has a 16-year-old son Sam who played this season for Park View Academy and represented England at Under-18 level is the perfect choice to lead what will be another young Chester side in the Wearside League as United first-team manager John Gamble explained.
"We are delighted that we're putting a reserve team in the Wearside League as a great progression for the Club and Park View Academy."
"Anthony Johnson has been appointed as manager and comes with a wealth of experience of working with senior and young players and will be a great asset for the club."
"We are looking for transition from the 1st team and reserves with both squads working closely together."
"On top of this we are also running an under-23 team on a Sunday which had good success last year and will also be managed by Anthony."
"Any players looking to join the club should watch out for the preseason schedule which will be released shortly and are more than welcome to attend our Open Day of trials."
That Open Day will be on Wednesday 1st June from 09:30am to 11:30am at the Washington Football Hub and it promises to be an exciting opportunity for all potential new players.
As for the new man in the Club? Anthony Johnson is delighted with his appointment and can't wait to get started.
"I am really excited to be given the opportunity to work with the players and staff at Chester-le-Street United Football Club."
"Having seen the club's progression in recent seasons it's refreshing to see opportunities given to young local players."
"After having discussions with Chairman Lewis Pendleton and John Gamble it was an offer I couldn't refuse given the professional approach and facilities that the club are able to offer."
"My aim is to help further progress the younger players coming through the Academy system and to help their progression into senior football within the first team and beyond."
"I will be working with the reserve team and U-23 squads and I'm really looking forward to learning more personally by working with such a high level of coaching staff."
United are delighted to have Anthony Johnson on board and hope that his experience and knowledge can help the club make the progress it is looking for in the future.
It's certainly exciting times down by The Riverside as this fledgling Club continues to grow it's wings and spread them across the North East non-league football scene.