Jamie Scales says Diss Town's decision to bring back a reserve side is another step in the right direction

There is still plenty of work left to do, but Jamie Scales believes Diss Town’s decision to resurrect their reserve side is another step in returning the club to its former glory.

The Tangerines folded their second string during the 2016/17 season, which in turn muddied the pathway between the under-18s and the first team.

However, with Scales and Ben Wilby set to take charge of the reformed team next season – most likely in the Thurlow Nunn Reserve League – that link will have been re-instated.

And Scales is also confident that it will eventually lead to an improved senior side after recent seasons of struggle.

“I am a local lad. I went to the FA Vase final in 1994 and remember when Diss was a massive club in the area,” said Scales.

“Back then to play for the under-18s you had to be handy, to get in the reserves was a big deal and a local lad in the first team was almost unheard of because you had to be a hell of a player to get in it.

“Things have gone wrong recently and the club has lost its way and identity a little bit. But the appointment of Jon (Abbot, first team manager) is a big thing because he is a local lad with big ideas.

“That was a step to getting back on track and so is bringing back a reserve team, because it is needed. At the moment where do our under-18s go when they are not quite ready for the first team? They have to move on.

“Also, when you have first team players coming back from injury and in need of some minutes, what do they do?

“Every good and successful club needs a well operated reserve side.

“Everybody at the club wants to get it right. Diss should have a good first team and it should have a competitive reserve team.

“There is no quick fix and there is a lot to be done, but this is a good start.”