Whitton United boss Shane Coldron says the harmony within his team can fire the Greens back into the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

East Anglian Daily Times: Duane Wright, who has joined manager Shane Coldron at Whitton this season. Both were at Stowmarket last year. Photo: BEN POOLEYDuane Wright, who has joined manager Shane Coldron at Whitton this season. Both were at Stowmarket last year. Photo: BEN POOLEY (Image: Archant)

Coldron, in his first management role, after assisting Rick Andrews at Stowmarket last season, has enjoyed a dream start to life at the King George V.

Whitton are in third position in Thurlow One, level on points with Woodbridge, who have played two games less, and a point behind leaders Swaffham – who they have two games in hand over. The top three go up. Whitton are at home to Leiston Reserves tomorrow.

“It’s been a great first half of the year for the club,” Coldron, who took over in the summer after former boss Steve Jay left, said.

“We’ve got a great blend of youth and experience and we are all in it together.

“Just this week we had 15 at first-team training. The enthusiasm is great and there is a great harmony within the club.”

Coldron, who played for Brantham, Clacton and Woodbridge – among others, during his playing days – feels that his coaching abilities have been helped by the fact that, in his words, he was never ‘a great player’.

“I was ok, but never a great player,” he said.

“I honestly feel it has made me a better coach though, man-managing players.

“I’ve learned not to be complacent. If I’m complacent, I think it rubs off on the players. It’s not their fault, it’s mine then if we don’t perform.”

Performing isn’t something that has been an issue for Whitton so far this season.

With experienced players like Kevin Inglis, Duane Wright and Liam Wales in their ranks, the Ipswich-based side are one of the favourites to get one of those top three spots.

“I think it is a four-horse race between ourselves, Woodbridge, Swaffham and Fram,” Coldron added.

“I’ve watched some Thurlow Nunn Premier games this season and I think if we went up, we would hold our own.

The Greens entertain Leiston Reserves, looking to get revenge after the Victory Road team put Whitton out of the Suffolk Senior Cup earlier in the season.

“I’m hoping our firepower will see us past them this time,” Coldron said.