Following many years of managing the side, Ian Tysoe decided he wanted a break at the end of the 2002/03 season. As no other person came forward to take the helm, Dave took over for his 1st managerial role as it looked as though the club may have to drop out of the league.

I think it would be fair to say that the team was an aging one and one of the 1st tasks for the 2003/04 season was to bring in some new, younger faces. This was accomplished to a certain extent and a number of new faces and changes in positions lead to an indifferent start to the 2003/04 campaign, although mid-way through the season the tide appears to be changing.

Dave has sepnt a number of years playing local football, with Saturday clubs Reddings Wood (formerly Huntings), Cranfield United, and Elstow Abbey, and Sunday clubs Kempston Rovers Sunday and Stewartby.