The Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League's first ever full-time General Manager has begun his new role with the competition.

It was announced at the start of last month that Matt Jones would step up from his roles of Company Secretary and Fixtures Secretary on 1st September, 2022.

Chairman Brian Jones said: "The Board of Directors are delighted with this appointment which will make the league even more professional than before and we hope to have a long and successful relationship with Matt."

Matt told us how his journey began fifteen years ago: "A visit to watch the newly formed Louth Town team in the Central Midlands League in 2007 sparked my interest in semi-professional football, a love of the non-league game that has continued to blossom ever since.

"After watching a few games, I was asked if I would be interested in joining the club's committee as a Supporters Representative. Within a few months, I found myself in the Club Secretary role with my partner Anjuli as Treasurer.

"A spell on the committee at Brigg Town in the Northern Premier League came next, followed by the Secretary's job at Cleethorpes Town.

"The club powered through the NCEL Premier Division in season 2016-17, winning the division with 108 points, a record that still stands today.

"During this record-breaking season, I applied for and was offered the job as League Secretary for the following season, replacing the retiring Brian Gould.

"There's no better place to bow out as a Club Secretary than Wembley Stadium and I was fortunate enough to be able to do this in the FA Vase Final of 2017, despite losing the game 4-0 to South Shields - memories were made that will last a lifetime.

"I'm now entering my sixth season with the League and, after a steep initial learning curve, I've really grown to enjoy the job.

"I'm truly honoured to have a chance to take the role even further with an offer from the Board to make my position full-time and I thank Chairman Brian Jones and the Board for giving me this opportunity."