The end of June saw no fewer than nine players that started the season with Redbridge u16s move onto scholarships at professional clubs, with two of those including offers of a one-year pro deal.

Six more of the squad spent time on trial with league and premiership clubs and it is all down to the determination of Burt Laurent.

Burt has managed some of the players since they were six and his approach to player development is a model that you could well argue should be adopted on a wider scale.

It was argued both inside and outside the club that had the u16s fielded what could on paper be called their best eleven every week they would have won the league...but that would have denied several players their chances at senior clubs.

The team did make it two cup finals and, fittingly, in their last match as a playing squad they won a trophy but it should be pointed out the first thing that was lifted in the air was Burt Laurent.

Burt's legacy has been to put Redbridge FC on the map as a team to play for and as he moves on to spending time watching son Josh develop his professional career we're sure it won't be too long before he back on a patch of grass with some young footballers.

With the best wishes of everyone at Redbridge FC we wish Burt a fond farewell.