Derese and Lombardelli take charge of Eastbourne Rangers seconds

After running the side jointly last term, Tony Derese (left of picture) has stepped up as manager for the new campaign.

After being known for giving young players a chance, Rangers are also thrilled to be giving young aspiring coach Giuseppe 'Joe' Lombardelli (right) his first role in local non-league football, and he comes in as assistant manager and coach.

The news comes after the Mid Sussex premier division club became one of the first teams in the area to return to some form of training last week.

Lombardelli has previously coached at Pevensey and Westham U16s, and has more recently coached one of adult sides at Bristol University.

Holding the FA Level 1 qualification, he will be supported in his quest for gaining his level two as well as being encouraged to learn from the more experienced coaches at the club. He was with Rangers as a player before leaving for university in September 2019.

Chairman Marc Mckay said: "We are delighted to have both Tony and Joe on board for this season. Tony still has the desire to play and will be player manager. Joe is keen to concentrate on his coaching, so we felt this was the perfect balance for our reserve team in training and on matchdays."

Upon being giventhe opportunity, Lombardelli said: "I am extremely excited to be appointed assistant manager and coach of Eastbourne Rangers reserve team.

"I made the decision to drop out of the University of Bristol after two years of studying law to pursue my dream of becoming a football coach and it is now starting to turn into my reality.

"Eastbourne Rangers is a great club with an excellent ethos and playing style. Together with passion, commitment and hard work, there is no doubt in my mind that we will become one of the best teams and clubs in Eastbourne."