Slimbridge AFC are delighted to announce that Tom Read has been appointed to the position of Under 18’s Manager with immediate effect. 

Tom managed Longlevens Under 18s last season, as well as working with Longlevens Development. Tom worked in youth football for the last five years, working at all levels from Under 13s to Under 18s, working with teams in the Stroud League and Northern Senior League. 

Speaking as the first team returned to pre-season training tonight, Tom was plainly excited to start work. 

‘It’s a good challenge for me to follow Tom Hitchings – obviously Tom is an excellent Coach, for me, I’m looking to build on the work that he has been doing. It’s all about the pathway to the first team, providing those under 18s with the best possible chance of progressing themselves, and of course, helping the club to allow the best talent to come through. 

That’s what the young lads should aspire to do, play at the highest level they can, and for me, Slimbridge is a great club, there’s always been that pathway for the last few years – it’s the ethos of the club to progress young talent as far as possible.

I think that’s a really exciting challenge.