All change at Burghfield and Mortimer ahead of 2024/25

There will be new faces in the dugouts at West Berkshire village rivals Burghfield and Mortimer next season in the Thames Valley Premier League and Hellenic League.

Burghfield have announced the departure of double-cup winning boss Steve Melledew while Hellenic League Mortimer have moved quickly to replace Stu Plumridge.

Melledew enjoyed a ‘historic’ four-year spell with the Fielders that included four top-four finishes, narrowly missing out on the title in 21/22 as well as a trophy-laden end to the 23/24 season when the County Cup and League Cup were captured.

Melledew will be replaced in the dugout by Liam Gillis for the coming season. Gillis is a 20-year veteran of the club having played and coached across the age groups. He is currently the club’s Sunday First Team Manager.

Mortimer Buck up

Mortimer will head into their third Hellenic League Division Two East season with former Bracknell Town and Sandhurst Town captain Michael Buck in charge. A dependable centre-back during his playing days, Buck had been assistant manager for the Villagers reserve side in the Thames Valley Premier League.

The Villagers finished sixth of 10 last season in the division and will face the likes of Taplow United, Long Crendon and Prestwood next season.