Diss lose captain but keep star man

Diss Town manager Mark Reeve conceded he was not surprised to see captain Jacob Brown depart the club this week.

The Supporters’ Player of The Year is the first major departure following the Tangerines’ relegation from the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division aftter he opted to remain in the division after agreeing to sign for Dean Greygoose’s Mildenhall Town following three years at Brewers Green Lane.

But after a torrid campaign, which resulted in Diss finishing second from bottom in the table, Reeve is well aware of the inevitable changes that will come as a direct consequence of suffering relegation.

“We put a good offer on the table for Jacob but he has decided to stay in the Premier Division,” he said.

“Jacob has stuck with the club for the past few seasons and had a difficult time, and so it is not surprising to see him want to stay at that level.

“Once a club is relegated it is inevitable that players will leave. We have to have a smaller budget and can’t compete with the higher division.”

However, the manager has been handed a major boost with the news that central defender Ben Lewis has agreed to fresh terms at the club.

“Ben was, by head-and-shoulders, our best player last season and so I’m delighted he will be staying,” he added. “He has a great attitude and for me he can go as far in football as he wants,” he added.

“For now he needs a couple of seasons just to play and I’m pleased that will be with us.”