As the Clapton CFC men’s first team embark on their first season at Step 6, player/manager Geoff Ocran has strengthened his coaching team with the appointment of Ridhwaan Yusuf – better known as Coach Ruudy – as first team coach.

With 17 years coaching experience, having previously been first team coach for both Billericay Town’s men’s and women’s teams, and most recently manager of Harlow Town Ladies, Ruudy will bring vital experience to the team. He is also the founder and head coach of R77 Academy, coaching youngsters aged between 4 and 15 in East London.

Ruudy will already be known to some at CCFC, having previously worked with assistant manager Sham Darr as first team coach at Newham FC in the Essex Senior League, and can also boast having coached current and former Premier League players including Hamza Choudhury and Luke Thomas.

Geoff Ocran is pleased to have Ruudy on board, saying: “Ruudy brings great experience and invaluable knowledge to the team and has already thrown himself in to training the players. As we make the move up to step 6 football I’m delighted to have Ruudy on board and can’t wait for the season to get started.”

Ruudy himself tweeted: “Break is well and truly over. Buzzing to finally announce I’ll be joining @ClaptonCFC For the upcoming season. Been with the squad for the last month and enjoying every moment. Looking forward to seeing what the season brings.”

Ruudy joins Sham Darr, Jack Mellors and Matt Bailey as members of the coaching team assisting Geoff Ocran.

The new season kicks off on Saturday, July 29 with an away trip to Wormley Rovers, with three more pre-season games against FC United of Manchester, CSM London, and Woodford East before that.