Bennett named new Littlehampton boss

Bennett, who played for Littlehampton when they won the County League, and reached the first round of the FA Cup and semi-finals of the FA Vase in the 1990-91 season, will work alongside Alan Stoner.

Golds were last in Division 1 of the County League back in the 2006-07 season, when they were relegated with just 23 points, and Bennett said: “Littlehampton holds a special place in my heart as I played there on and off for 15 years and had some very good times there.

“I’m looking to get us out of Division 2 as I don’t like seeing the club where it has been for the last few seasons.

“Maybe I’m being a bit optimistic but I’d be disappointed if we finish as runners-up next season.”

Bennett was manager at Arundel for a season in 1995 and has since been involved with youth football, most recently as under-18 manager at Rustington.

He said: “A lot of the boys I’ve coached are reaching 18, and I personally think they’re good enough for the step up.

“I want to get the team back into Division 1 and get a good team spirit going at the club, and I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

Golds chairman Neil Taylor said: “We’ve set no targets for Mark but, from talking to him, we’re looking at a two-or-three-year plan and he will, hopefully, get us back up into Division 1 of the County League, although you never know what is around the corner.”

On the decision to sack John Suter, Taylor said: “John’s given it a good go for the last two years but, unfortunately, we weren’t really making any progress.

“I thought that John would do well here but things didn’t work out how we hoped and we’ve taken the decision to get Mark on board.”