Haverhill Borough has withdrawn from the Eastern Counties League Division One North, prompting a last-minute reprieve from relegation for Wivenhoe Town. The announcement followed the departure of Haverhill’s manager, Harry Zachariou, who left the club after two years to take charge at Premier Division side Lakenheath. Zachariou had guided Haverhill Borough to a seventh-place finish last season.

The West Suffolk club, established in 2011 at Haverhill Sports Association, shares the New Croft sports ground with local rivals Haverhill Rovers. According to league chairman Peter Hutchings, the decision to withdraw from the Step 6 division was largely due to a lack of support and a dwindling player base.

Wivenhoe Town, which finished second to last in Division One North, had initially prepared to compete in the Essex & Suffolk Border League next season. However, with Haverhill’s exit, they have been allowed to remain at Step 6. The Dragons recently appointed Craig Gillam as their new manager to oversee their return to that level. Gillam joined from Division One South club Dunmow Town, bringing with him assistant manager Steve Harris. They replace Jeff Welsh, who had served the club for 14 years in various coaching roles.

Dunmow Town, in turn, have named former Wivenhoe manager Gary Monti as their new head coach. Monti, known for his previous tenure at Wivenhoe and experience with Cornard United, will be supported by John Thackray, Pete Travers, and Joe Stevens in the coaching staff.

In an additional development, Wivenhoe Town has secured a stadium sponsorship deal with wellness company Elixer, founded by former club youth player Rowan Bradley. Bradley emphasized the importance of community values in the partnership, stating that supporting the club aligns with the company’s focus on health, ambition, and belonging.