Billericay Town manager Justin Edinburgh has received a twin boost as he prepares his squad for next season in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Not only has he appointed vastly experienced non-league player Matt Jones as his assistant but full-back Danny Kerrigan, one of the most exciting defensive talents on the local scene, has returned to club he left 18 months ago.

Edinburgh said: "I'm delighted that Matt has agreed to be my number two. He has tremendous experience of the non-league game and I believe his presence here will be a major boost for the club in our attempts to win promotion to the Conference South Division at the first attempt."

Jones, 33, started his career at Arsenal and also played for Southend United before embarking on a non-league career which twice encompassed Chelmsford City, where he played last season, and also included Heybridge Swifts, St Albans City, Dagenham and Redbridge and Canvey.

Left-back Kerrigan first came to New Lodge after being released as a youngster by Southend United and soon became a fans' favourite before moving to Grays.

Edinburgh said: "Danny is a quality player in a position I know all about, having spent most of my pro career there, and I'm delighted he's joining us to add to what I believe will be a top level squad for the forthcoming season."

It was a case of standing room only at Chelmsford Crematorium as non-league soccer said farewell to one of its finest servants.

Len Dewson died a fortnight ago in Basildon Hospital at the age of 72 after four decades of service to Billericay Town.

Starting off with the supporters club Len, also a lifelong fan of his home town club Walsall, went on to serve the New Lodge outfit in a variety of positions including secretary and programme editor.

Current Hornchurch chairman Gary Calder, who worked closely with Len during a four-year spell as Billericay manager, paid tribute to a main "meticulous in his attention to detail" as an administrator.

Published Monday May 24, 2004

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