Gary Mansell and Jay Lovett have been appointed as managers of the Under-16s & Under-18s Representative Squads ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Gary will take on the role as the Under-16s Squad Manager whilst Jay will be in charge of the Under-18s Squad. However, both will be each other’s assistants and work closely together throughout the duration of the season.

Gary, 39, who currently works for Russell Martin Foundation as the Football Development Manager and previously played for local teams around the county believes his football knowledge will be a huge benefit whilst selecting his side to compete in the South East Counties Youth Championship: “My full-time role in football and knowledge of Sussex leagues, teams and players sets me in a good stead to hopefully select a competitive team to represent the county.”

He currently coaches his son’s side, Mile Oak Wanderers Under-12s alongside various age groups at the Russell Martin Foundation, as well as assisting the football programme at Varndean College, who capped off a great season by lifting the Sussex Schools Under-19 league title.

On being appointed Gary said: “I am of course delighted and honoured at the opportunity to take up such a prestigious role.

“I am looking forward to testing myself at a good level and look forward to working with some of the most talented players across the county.”

Jay, 40, holds a wealth of experience within the game as an ex-professional footballer and coaching/managing team’s at various different levels.

Having played for Plymouth, Brentford, Crawley Town, Hereford, Eastbourne Borough, Lewes, Whitehawk and the Metropolitan Police to name a few, he believes he can project his playing experiences onto the promising talent in Sussex: “I have had some great memories and played with and against some really good players, when representing the county.

“I still feel it’s a great honour to be asked to play for the county and I hope that feeling and message will continue now that I’m in charge of these sides.”

Like Gary, Jay works at the Russell Martin Foundation as Senior Football Development Manager, whilst heading up their Under-19s Academy and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Under-14s.

His past managerial experience includes taking the reins at Crawley Academy, Ardingly College Under-18’s, Dong Tam - Long An (Vietnamese Premier Division), Eastbourne Borough Academy, Eastbourne Borough Assistant Manager, Lewes Academy and Lewes Assistant Manager. 

On being appointed Jay said: “I feel very proud to be offered the role to manage my county at youth level, especially having been involved in Sussex football for so long and a team/county that I also played for when growing up.

“I have been involved in a lot of Sussex football at various different ages and specialising in Under-19 Academies. I have good relationships with all managers of clubs in these age groups and I think this will help the sides to hopefully have a good seasons.”

For further information about Representative Football please contact Football Services:

Football Services
T: 01903 753547
E: Info@SussexFA.com