London Maccabi Lions have announced the return of Eilon Kennet as manager of their MSFL ‘A’ side.

Kennet, who enjoyed success with the side during his previous spell with them, will work closely with James Gershfield, who was part of a very successful partnership with Andy Landesberg last season. Kennet rejoins the club following two seasons in charge of Premier Division rivals Redbridge Jewish Care A, who recently named Sam Rosenthal as their new manager. Landesberg in turn, will take over the manangement of the South Midland Spartan League reserve side where he will work alongside his newly appointed Coach Jon Kurrant.

Landesberg, Lions Director of Football said: “This is such an exciting time for everybody at Lions. With planning permission just being granted for a new stand and floodlighting at Rowley Lane, we are beginning a very new and dynamic era.

“Eilon returns to his spiritual home and will work closely with Gersh, his experience in this league is second to none. I know both of them will push the MSFL A team onto even bigger and better things. When I asked Eilon to come back and join us, I know he didn’t have a second thought, and when we drew up a short list of potential targets, Eilon was at the very top of the list. It is so great to have him back.

“The youngsters that formed the backbone of the Cyril Anekstein Cup win, have all agreed to take the next step in their progress to eventually achieve a place in the Lions 1st team in the Spartan Premier league. This means that Jon Kurrant and I have three great pools of players to select from. The regulars that are available week in week out, the players who didn’t quite make the 1st team squad that particular week, and the youngsters who are regularly making the trek back from University each week. This seriously makes for an extremely exciting season ahead.

“Eilon will have a similar backbone to his side, with the addition of the Saturday players who didn’t quite make their respective squads, plus the influx of 17, 18 and 19 year olds who will form the heart of future Lions teams.

“It musn’t go forgotten what a tremendous job Jonathan Green and Danny Jacobs did over a number of years in making the Reserve team a very enjoyable and successful place to be. I don’t think we can thank them both enough for what was a remarkable achievement.”

In other managerial news concerning the club, Andy Myers will take up the helm with the Garston Vets team and Mark Jacobs will continue his winning run with the Masters, while Jamie Kyte will lead the MSFL B team into the premier division. Tony Gold will continue as the Saturday 1st team Manager, with new coaching positions who will be working with him to be announced shortly.

Landesberg added: “Lions is a very exciting place to be right now, and with the quality coaches and Managers we have on board, it creates a wonderful platform to take us even further forward as a Club.”