Brantham Athletic have named Paul Skingley as their new first-team manager.

The former Colchester United youth team player, who was spotted by the U’s as a 14-year-old before leaving the club at 17, is Brantham’s current under-18 team boss.

A respected coach, Skingley has managed with success at East Bergholt in the Suffolk and Ipswich League – it will be his first taste of management at Eastern Counties level.

Along with Skingley, Brantham have also announced that former first-team manager, Tony Hall, is returning to the Club, as Director of Football.

Skingley’s appointment follows Paul Abrahams decision to leave the post after the Imps lost at Ely City at the weekend.

“It’s obviously a challenge and I’m looking forward to it,” Skingley said last night.

“We always knew, as a Club, this season was going to be different with the emphasis on youth.

“Paul Abrahams did a fantastic job in the circumstances and I’m disappointed he has gone.

“But it’s up to the management and the players now.

“We have no game this weekend and it’s a chance for me and Tony to talk to the players. It’s probably just what we needed.

“Alot has happened very fast and it will be good to sit down and have a look at everything.”

Skingley has coached at, among other clubs, Whitton, AFC Sudbury and Needham Market. He also played for Brantham as a youngster in the ECL before a second leg break ended his playing career.

“Much will depend on the players being on board,” he said.

“I will encourage everyone to go out and play. It’s no good if players are playing with any fear. They must express themselves.”

Brantham are currently 16th in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

But teams below them, namely Wivenhoe and FC Clacton have games in hand.

Ely’s victory over Brantham on Saturday which was Abrahams’ last game in charge, was only The Robins’ third league win of the season.

“The only way out of where we are in the league table is for us all to be fully committed,” Skingley added.

“If we all want the same thing, it’s a great starting point.”

Brantham chairman Peter Crowhurst is delighted with the appointment of Skingley.

“I’m very positive about the future with Paul at the helm,” he said.

“He knows Brantham through and through and I’m pleased for him. He’s a legend at the Club.

“It was a shame to lose Paul Abrahams. It was his choice to go and I think the result on Saturday at Ely was probably the final straw.

“But he did so much for this Club. On the same day the first team lost on Saturday, our reserves and A team both won 5-0, packed with young players – something Paul encouraged.

“I have nothing but praise for all he did for us.

“But now under the new manager, we need to win games. We have 16 matches left to win as many as we can.”