After a hard week’s work keeping Vital International’s finances in working order,  you would think Steve Clare would be looking forward to putting his feet up and a trawl through the Sunday papers.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth for Finance Director Steve who manages his son’s Under 10 football team. Steve, who holds a Level One coaching badge, admits to being victim of a bit of ‘emotional blackmail’ being responsible for him doing the job.

Meadow FC and Manager Steve Clare

“It was either that or see my son Nicholas’s team disband through lack of a manager and we just couldn’t let that happen as the boys all love playing.”

Steve is also getting things right on the pitch as the team, Meadow Youth, won their opening Blackwater and Dengie League fixture 10-0. “Just another 21 fixtures to go and then I’ll be able to put my feet up, maybe, said Steve, whose elder son, Niall, plays for the club’s Under 11 team.

Steve, obviously happy with his backroom role, is pictured with the team proudly showing their sponsor’s name

Vital also has a keen interest in youth progress in sport and currently sponsors teenager George Artemi  in his budding football career with  Blue Square Conference Premier team Rushden & Diamonds.