PETERSFIELD Town have completed two key appointments to their coaching staff.

Craig Merritt has joined the club as a first team coach, while Andy Neal rejoins as reserve team manager.

Petersfield manager Mark Summerhill is delighted with the appointments.

He said: “Craig is a Level 2 coach and will work with first team coach Richie Way.

“Andy Neal joins as reserve team manager. Dan Nash is the reserves’ assistant manager and Alex Matter is reserve team coach.”

Neal is returning to Love Lane. He was previously reserve team manager at the club, and he managed the first team in the Southern League for a brief spell in the 2016-17 season.

“Andy’s focus is going to be on getting the youth team across into the two men’s teams,” said Summerhill.

“He is managing the reserves but it’s not about results. It is about developing our under-18s. Andy is a great coach. We need to bring the boys through and get them playing Wyvern League football.

“We had a few youngsters in the first team last season, and we want to blood more youngsters in the reserves.

“We’re not looking for short-term success, we’re looking to build strong foundations. Andy and Craig are coming in and buying into our long-term thinking.

“They’re two really good additions. They are good coaches and they’ll bring the youth through. They tick all the boxes.”