STUDENTS were inspired by a motivational talk from a former football executive.

Ex-Arsenal and Football Association vice-chairman David Dein spent an afternoon at Manningtree High School on Wednesday talking to Year Nine students as part of the Speakers for Schools programme.

The event was arranged to coincide with an Options Carousel, where pupils choose which subjects they wish to study at GCSE level.

Mr Dein also had lunch provided by catering students at the school and assistant headteacher Nick Farrow hailed the day as a great success.

“The talk was fantastic and all of the students were really engaged with what he was saying,” he said.