Caretaker manager Danny Laws has expressed his desire to remain at AFC Sudbury and is keeping an open mind over his future leading the first-team.

Laws took the reins on a temporary basis on December 30, following the departure of manager David Batch and his coaching team to St Neots Town.

Recruited by Batch in the summer, to develop the youth and academy set-up at the Wardale Williams Stadium, ex-Leiston and Needham Market boss Laws is keen to continue the good work he has started with the Ryman North club’s youngsters.

However, Laws, who leads 11th-placed AFC at home to seventh-placed Soham Town Rangers tonight, is not ruling out a longer spell in charge of the first-team.

“It’s a great club with great people and I want to be part of it, ideally in the same (academy) role that I am doing now, because we have big plans for the youth and development section of the club,” said Laws.

“I was pleased to go back to my roots and work with the youngsters, which is not something I have done since my West Suffolk College days.

“The outcome of the first-team manager’s role will be determined by the quality of applicants and I’m just pleased that I’ve been able to step into the breach.

“How long will that be for? Who knows?

“For a job of this magnitude, the right person needs to be appointed in the long-term. Let’s wait and see what happens.”

Laws’ immediate remit is to address a slump in form that has seen AFC win just one of their last five league games.

Despite that, a win tonight and other results going their way, could see the Yellows move to within three points of the play-offs.

“Apart from the top two, it’s very close and things can change rapidly,” added Laws.

“The football club is still keen to be challenging for the top places.”

n Eighth-placed Leiston host Lewes in the Ryman Premier tonight and could jump into the final play-off spot if they win and other results go their way.

Currently in that coveted fifth spot are Met Police – three points ahead of the Blues – who host Witham Town, in desperate need of points at the other end of the table.

Seventh-placed East Thurrock host second-top Maidstone, while Tonbridge Angels entertain Peacehaven & Telscombe.