Loddon United FC have appointed Nick Read as First XI manager for the 2011/12 season.

Read, who has previously managed at Diss and Bungay and has until recently been managing Bungay U18’s, was one of several interested parties for the vacant position.

But the club felt his vast playing experience, which included spells at Ashlea, Diss and Lowestoft, meant he was the ideal person to lead the team in the Anglian Combination Premier Division next season.

Training will begin early next month and Read has already been active in arranging friendlies away to Corton (July 26, 6.30pm) and Bungay Town (August 3, 7.30pm).

Mark Stone continues as Reserve XI manager for next season and with David Johnson again in charge of the A team the club is hopeful of enjoying a good season.