IT’S all change at Folland Sports – the club formerly known as GE Hamble – this summer.

After a season as joint first-team boss, Dave Lewis is going back to his coaching roots and clearing the decks for the irrepressible Danny Bowers to return as manager of the Sydenhams Premier side.

“It’s like Robbie Williams going back to Take That!” laughed Lewis. “The maverick is back in the hot seat.”

Occasionally outspoken but always enthusiastic, Bowers took a back seat last season having worked hand in hand with Lewis and club stalwart Paul Cotton to establish the Planemakers as a top-five Wessex force.

With the Planemakers’ long-term future in mind, Bowers concentrated on running the under-14s, leaving first-team matters in the capable hands of Lewis, Cotton and coach Tim Middleton.

But having recharged his batteries, Bowers has taken the managerial reins again, heading up a revamped backroom staff.

Lewis explained: “Danny’s back as first-team manager, Paul is football club manager and I’ll be head coach with Tim.

“We’ve also brought in Darren Burdle (formerly of Lymington Town and Winchester City) as another coach and already he’s made a massive impact. His training sessions have opened everyone’s eyes.”

The Planemakers also have a new secretary, Adrian Harris, while former reserve team boss Dave Herbert will concentrate on developing and recruiting young players.

Folland’s new second-string managers are Glyn Cherrett and Steve Lucas who ran Winchester City’s under-17s last season and have brought their squad across with them.

“Glyn and Steve’s team are coming to us lock, stock and barrel as our reserve side and it’s a marriage made in heaven,” said Lewis.

“They’re looking to progress the lads and we’re looking to bring local players through as best we can.

“Danny’s under-14s will be under-15s this season and now we’ve got a youthful reserve side.

“Our committee is thriving too with a solid 15-17 people. In years gone by we’ve only had six or eight, so the whole club’s revitalised.”

Speaking of Bowers’ return, Lewis added: “It seems the most natural thing. I’m taking my Level 2 coaching badges next year and, if all goes well, I’ll do the UEFA B, so it suits me to slide across to a coaching role.

“Danny was never far away in any case and not many people would take a backward step from the first team to the under-14s for the good of the club and local lads.

“I can’t wait to get going.”