Ambitious Ricay Announce Plans To Go Professional

The club's chairman Dan Groves thinks as promotion to the National League is 'likely', the move will benefit the Essex-based club in the long run.

The club have taken the step to increase hours players will train with manager Dean Brennan saying it would allow him to spend more time with his players.

Earlier this season, owner Glenn Tamplin announced his intention to bring sustainability to the club after naming Dean Brennan as the club's new manager.

In a statement on the club's website, Groves said: "With promotion to the National League a huge possibility now, the decision has been made that going fully professional will help the club realise its ambitions going forward.

"We have got off to a great start this season and I only see this as a positive move for the club. I believe the progression from operating as a part-time outfit will give our side the best opportunity of progressing, regardless of what division the club find themselves in next season.

"We have had a good conversation with the squad and as with any change to working hours, sadly some players will be affected because of other work commitments, however as a club we will do whatever we can to help these players stay with us and work around their other commitments.

"We are 100% behind Dean and Stuart’s decision and know these changes and we want players here who want to stay on this journey with us and if we are to look to progress to the next step of the football pyramid these changes have to happen."