Samuel Montagu have appointed Ibrahim Balogun as the club’s new manager, on a three-and-a-half-year deal until June 2025.

A former Samuel Montagu youth product, Ibrahim played for the Samuel Montagu youth sides before leaving in order to collect a first-team place. Now, after a glittering career, he's back.

Balogun has reacquainted with the Samuel Montagu Arena, as well as meeting women's team manager, Jason Stevens. Balogun expressed gratitude, saying "He [Jason Stevens] is a very nice guy. He's got some good tactical insight and I can't wait to see how they'll fare next season."

Balogun explained how Samuel Montagu would conduct themselves in the next few seasons, his ambition to steady climb the divisions of the domestic game and also how he would schedule friendlies and whether they were important to him.

“Well, that is a good question. We already know that relegation is happening this season, but what's important to me is that we pick up a few more points. After that, we can bounce straight back up into Division 6 and then we'll attempt to continue growing from there.

We will [schuelde friendlies]. Many of the younger players and players returning to fitness will play in these matches, and I'll monitor how they play. These matches will be competitive, and I will try to challenge the players as much as possible in them, with new styles and tactics."

Balogun may have a tough job in replacing club legend Keith McMahon, but he knows this, and is ready to jump into next season with all guns blazing. As he said himself, "Staying in this division? Not an option."