AFC Sudbury boss Chris Tracey has had his contract with the club extended until the end of next season.

Tracey, who was assistant manager to Nicky Smith, took over the hot-seat at the Ryman League Division One North side when Smith resigned earlier this season.

He was initially put in charge on a temporary basis and after a run of good results was told he would be given until at least the end of this season before a decision on his longer-term future was made.

AFC Sudbury chairman Phillip Turner said: “We are extremely pleased with the way that Chris has galvanised the side since he took over earlier this season.

“He has shown great leadership qualities, and that certainly seems to have spread itself to the way the team has been performing on the pitch.

“The side has responded well and results have certainly picked up. We feel that Chris is the man to lead us for the foreseeable future, he is a Sudbury man through and through.”

Tracey said: “We have started well since I took over and I want to be able to build upon it. It removes any uncertainty both from my point of view and also from the players that are here now and ones that I may try to sign.”

Earlier this week Ian Manby stepped up from his role as reserve team manager to be Tracey’s assistant following the departure of first-team coach Jack Wignall.

Dave Walton, who was assistant reserve team manager, takes over as manager and he will be assisted by FA coach Rob ‘Scouse’ Munro, who has previously managed at Ridgeons League clubs Newmarket Town and Halstead Town and has recently returned from a coaching course for youngsters in the Gambia.