Manager Cole has a burning ambition

6:10pm Wednesday 4th July 2001

A Borehamwood man is gearing up for his second season as the manager of a Hertfordshire football club.

Dean Cole, whose cousin is 19-year-old West Ham and England star Joe Cole, is the boss of Spartan Minerva South Midlands League outfit Letchworth Bridger.

Mr Cole, who lives in Aycliffe Road, Borehamwood, joined Letchworth at the start of last season. He was the club's first choice for manager.

But he did not have the best of starts, as Letchworth lost 6-0 to Colney Heath. After this baptism of fire, he started pulling the club into shape.

Now the former scout, and Football in the Community assistant at Boreham Wood FC, has an ambitious plan for his new club.

He wants them to gain promotion from the Spartan League to the Ryman League in time for the start of the 2003/04 term.

To help achieve this aim, Mr Cole is looking for players from the Hertsmere area to join him at Letchworth Bridger FC.

Though the 34-year-old manager points out that the club does not pay its' players as money is extremely tight.

He said: "We're looking for players who really want to play for the club, dedicated players."

Though Mr Cole has cited Ryman League football as his aim for Letchworth Bridger, on a personal level, he would like eventually to manage a club in the Football Conference.

Dean, who is currently a coach at Luton Town FC's Centre of Excellence, started his coaching career at West Ham teaching football to youngsters aged between seven and nine.

He moved to Boreham Wood FC as a scout where he attempted to get the then administration to sign Junior Lewis from Hendon. Lewis is now with Premiership side Leicester City.

He said: "I enjoyed my time at Boreham Wood but I wanted to become a non-League manager.

“I still look for Boreham Wood's results and I still get over there when I can. As for managing Letchworth Bridger, it's a start for me, which we all need in the football world.

“Remember, even Joe Cole had to start somewhere!"

Cousin Joe is one of Dean's heroes and he often chats with the England midfielder when seeking inspiration in his new job.

Mr Cole said: "He plays the way that excites me as a football manager.

“Since the first time I saw Joe play at his trial for West Ham, when he was 11, I had no doubts he would one day play for his country."

*If you are interested in joining Dean Cole's squad send a letter detailing your playing career to: Mr D Cole, Letchworth Bridger FC, Muddy Lane, Letchworth, Herts SG6 3TB.

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