MICK Chapman, joint-manager of Ryman League Division One North leaders Lowestoft Town, has praised the contributions of Craig Fleming and Dave Carolan in the Blues' march towards a second successive promotion.

MICK Chapman, joint-manager of Ryman League Division One North leaders Lowestoft Town, has praised the contributions of Craig Fleming and Dave Carolan in the Blues' march towards a second successive promotion.

An excellent 3-1 victory over second-placed Thamesmead Town in front of more than 650 fans at Crown Meadow last Saturday leaves the Trawler Boys five points clear at the top of the table with four games in hand on their nearest rivals.

And Chapman believes the talents of Norwich City 'legend' Fleming and Carolan, who still works with Coca-Cola League One Colchester United, combined with those of joint boss Ady Gallagher and himself, have helped his side to their lofty position.

Fleming and Carolan joined the Blues before the 2008/09 season as coach and fitness coach respectively, and have been influential in the club's Ridgeons League title success, the run to the semi final of the FA Vase earlier this year and adventure in this season's FA Cup which saw them reach the First Round proper.

"We've got a good sound set-up," said Chapman, who has been in charge at the Meadow since 1994.

"Myself, Ady and Flem work as a three-man management team. There isn't a hierarchy and we all work together on match days.

"Dave looks after the fitness side of things. He's got a big commitment to Colchester and we know that and that has to come first for him. But Dave gives us what he can give us. He'll turn up at training as and when he can.

"It works really, really well and in the dressing room we're a unit because we're all trying to achieve the same thing.

"With Flem, he's not just a coach. He looks after the coaching, but his input is as great as mine and Ady's. We all get on great, really well. We're all ambitious and we're working with a great chairman Gary Keyzor and a fantastic squad of players to bring success to Lowestoft Town Football Club."

And Chapman insists the management team can keep the squad grounded as the march towards the title continues, with a trip to Brentwood Town today.

"Our job as management is to make sure the boys are focused and they don't get their heads in the clouds and listen to all the hype about things that are said about how well we're doing," Chapman said.

"We're not looking any further ahead than the next game, because as soon as you start doing that you take your eye off the ball and you can forget what got you to where you are. We're not going to allow that to happen and if the lads need a reminder they'll get one. We're honest with them and that's important in football. Players aren't always going to like it but as long as you're honest with them and tell them how it is, they appreciate it and deal with it."