BRANTHAM Athletic joint-boss Matt Carmichael believes the club's commitment to coaching is beginning to pay dividends.

Carmichael, fellow manager Michael Brothers and Imps coach Ben Swan are all working towards their coveted UEFA B Licences.

They are at different stages but hope to be “there or thereabouts” in terms of qualifying this time next year.

Carmichael says the process has been hard work but hugely rewarding so far – and he believes it is already paying off in terms of improving players at his Thurlow Nunn League club.

"We're playing well at the moment and one of the most pleasing things is the fact we're taking things we're working on in training into matches,” he said.

“It’s hard as we don’t have long together in the week but it’s definitely beginning to bear fruit.

“The three of us decided in the summer that it would be a good thing to do, working with the Suffolk FA.

“We’re all learning lots and the idea is that you work towards the licence during the course of a regular season.

“If it takes a little longer to qualify then so be it, but hopefully we should be there or thereabouts this time next year.

“It’s great for us as individuals and an excellent thing to have on our CVs.

“But hopefully it’ll also be very beneficial for the club and it speaks volumes for the direction we’re heading.

“We’re limited in terms of what we can pay players and we’re under no illusions.

“We’re not in a position to go and sign 15 players and put them all on £100 a week. Instead, we have to coach our very promising youngsters and turn them into those £100 players.”

Brantham powered to another impressive victory in the Thurlow Nunn League on Saturday.

The Imps, who are seventh in the premier division table, romped to a 5-1 success against visiting Haverhill Rovers at the Leisure Centre.

Craig Hughes scored twice and he was joined on the scoresheet by Sam Newson, Dan Rowe and Joseph Yaxley.

“The players are buying into what we’re doing, both in training and matches,” added Carmichael.

“And we’ve been really pleased with the way our training sessions have been going, in terms of quality and intensity.

“That’s a credit to everyone and one reason is the fact we’ve got so many young, talented and hungry young players.

“They’re so vibrant, keen and energetic. They want to learn.

“Then there are more experienced players like Craig, who’s been there and done it in terms of starting out at Colchester United.

“It would be easy for someone like him to be complacent, but nothing could be further from the truth.

“He’s been absolutely mammoth and right back to his best.”

Brantham are on their travels again this weekend, as they head to Walsham-le-Willows on Saturday.

Carmichael and Brothers' side then make the short trip to Hadleigh United on Tuesday.