WALSHAM-LE-WILLOWS manager Paul Smith has paid tribute to the part played by his assistant John Taylor this season.

The village club currently sit fourth in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division table and are on course for their best-ever finish.

Smith praised assistant Taylor, the ex-Cambridge United player and manager who linked up with former Sudbury Town team mate Smith last season, for his role in the team’s success.

“John Taylor has been a big help to me this season. I have learned a lot from him since he joined us last season.

“Last season was a learning curve for him because he had been out of the game for a while.

“But now he has got to grips with it again his football knowledge has been a great help to me.”

Walsham entertain CRC at Summer Road on Saturday looking to record a sixth successive league win.