HARWICH and Parkeston Football Club chairman Tony Armstrong has praised the contribution of experienced coach Steve Foley at the Royal Oak.

The Colchester United legend has been assisting with coaching duties at the Thurlow Nunn League first division south club.

Foley, who made more than 300 league and cup appearances for the U’s between 1971 and 1981 and has coached in the Premier League with Norwich City, is helping out at the Shrimpers.

He has been advising boss Mike Wallace and his assistant Gary Kioussis‬⁩ and has been coaching at both senior and youth level.

As a youngster, Foley played in the same youth team as Harwich supremo Armstrong, who is delighted to have the Colchester United hall of famer on board at the club.

Armstrong said: "It is a great thing for Harwich and Parkeston to have an involvement in the future generation of Harwich footballers by having the knowledge, respect and involvement of Steve Foley in our Club.

"We are very very fortunate to have him in our club!

“I had the privilege of playing with Steve at Colchester United in 1968, when they entered the South East Counties League.

"He has remained a good friend since then offering all sorts of support even raising money for charity Cardiac Risk in the Young when we lost our son Marcus aged 28 from an undiagnosed heart condition.

"He is one of life’s true heroes and someone I’m privileged to call a friend.

"Harwich are very lucky to have home advising and guiding us towards the next generation of footballers."

In addition to his considerable contribution at Colchester as a player and coach, Foley spent time at Norwich where he worked at first team, reserve and academy level and also at Ipswich.

He also provided his wealth of knowledge at a number of non-league clubs in north Essex and Suffolk.

Foley has been coaching Harwich youngsters from five years old upwards - contact 07717614661 to book or for more information.