Netherton United thrilled as ‘quad squad’ member has left title rivals to return to the Grange and he’s taken a lot of talent with him, while Peterborough Sports North End move quickly to secure new boss

It’s a return home to the Grange for Wood who was a member of Netherton’s fabled ‘quad squad’ of the 2017-18 season. Talnted players Andrew Irvine, Louie Venni and Alfie Ferguson have followed Wood to the Grange from Sports, while Netherton have also signed Luca Zirpolo from Peterborough Northern Star.

Wood combined playing with managing Peterborough Sports’ successful under 18 team that season and has since steered those youngsters through their first two adult campaigns.

“A lot of those players have left to go to university now so it felt the right time to take on a new challenge,” Wood, who will combine playing with performing first-team assistant manager duties at Netherton, said. “The structure at Netherton is really appealing as they have many junior teams who feed players into the adult sides.

“I left Netherton before because the timing was right. We’d just won everything and I was struggling with a back injury anyway and I wanted to devote more time to a terrific set of young and talented lads.

“I want to have another crack at playing so I need to get myself fitter. I’m not sure I’ll get in the side though!

“I won’t hear a bad word said about Peterborough North End Sports.

“It’s a great club and I had a great relationship with Peterborough Sports manager Jimmy Dean.

“I also get on well with Jon Harrison (Netherton manager) so I’m looking forward to working with him again.”

Harrison described the capture of Wood as ‘huge’.

“It’s a great signing for us,” Harrison enthused. “It’s a real coup as Ryan is a top lad, a great coach and a strong player. It’s huge for us.”

Last season’s Peterborough North End Sports assistant manager Hamish Curtis has also left the club and been linked with a move to Yaxley Reserves.

Tom Florence has left Peterborough Premier Division side Thorney to replace Wood at Peterborough North End Sports.