Groves arrived at the club at the beginning of last season from Godmanchester Rovers, stepping up to be part of the new management team alongside Mason following the departure of Robbie Nightingale and Dave Theobald to Cambridge City in December 2016, with the Greens securing their Isthmian League North survival on the final day of the campaign with a 4-3 home win against Maldon & Tiptree, in a game where the defender scored twice.

Groves commented “I want to take the opportunity in thanking the club for giving me the chance to have such a major involvement in what we achieved last year. I am standing down as assistant manager as I don’t have the time to commit to the role. For me I want to concentrate on playing as at twenty-six I have my coaching days ahead of me.”

Erkan, who holds a UEFA B licence, joins the Greens from AFC Sudbury.

The experienced 32-year-old midfielder started his career with Ipswich Town’s Academy, before signing for Histon where he was part of the squad who rose to play in the Conference.
Whilst with the Stutes, Okay represented England C, before having spells with Chelmsford City, Lowestoft Town, Royston Town and Cambridge City, where he was player-coach.
Unfortunately, Okay must wait till the New Year to make his Soham debut as he is awaiting an operation for a knee injury.

Erkan Okay playing for England C
(Photo courtesy of BBC)