TO say Folland Sports’ latest coaching addition is well qualified to work in the Sydenhams League would be an understatement.

Kevin Jackson has been a scout and coach for Swindon Town, a qualified Army referee and a UEFA-Licenced coach in his colourful career.

He furthered his education at the Vogelsinger Soccer Academy, USA, and then trained to become a sports therapist before taking up a sports coach role at Trowbridge College, Wiltshire.

His work recruiting under-18 players for the college’s South West Counties team caught the eye of AFC Bournemouth who recruited him to their school of excellence and he went on the coach their under-15s, 18s and 19s.

After 18 months with the Cherries, where he was also appointed sports injuries therapist, Jackson began working with Malcolm Elias at Southampton only for ill health to cut short his stay.

He underwent two years of rehabilitation after suffering an embolism and doctors said he was unlikely to work again.

But Jackson’s love of football helped him back on his feet and he took up coaching positions with Christchurch, Poole Town and Hamworthy United, working with their reserve and youth teams.

Now he has been talked of retirement by Follands’ coach Marc Scrimaglia who, along with manager Jay Keating and fellow coach Sheriff Anjorin, has undertaken a major team rebuilding job with the Planemakers.

Scrimaglia, who got to know Jackson at Bournemouth, said: “I told Kevin that most of the club players had left and we need to start again. It will be a bit of a challenge but I said we can’t do it without you! There is no one better for the job ahead.

“Kevin has been taking pre-season training and has brought his experience to the club. Players are responding and have made comments about Kevin’s professional attitude and approach.

“A number of younger players have remarked how he has improved their abilities in such a short time. Senior players are also impressed with Kevin’s training methods.

“Kevin has made it quite clear that the season ahead will be tough. New players will have to learn very quickly from the experienced players."