WHITTON United's new caretaker player-manager Simon Betts has confirmed he will not be taking on his new role on a full-time basis after this season.The 35-year-old defender was installed as the struggling Ridgeons League club's temporary boss on New Year's Day following former manager Gary Thompson's decision to become assistant manager at league rivals Tiptree United.

Stuart Watson

WHITTON United's new caretaker player-manager Simon Betts has confirmed he will not be taking on his new role on a full-time basis after this season.

The 35-year-old defender was installed as the struggling Ridgeons League club's temporary boss on New Year's Day following former manager Gary Thompson's decision to become assistant manager at league rivals Tiptree United.

However, Betts - whose first game in charge comes at Norwich United on Saturday - says that while he will be doing his upmost to keep the club in the Premier League this year, he will be stepping down at the end of the campaign.

He said: “I have informed the club that I am not able to take on the role full-time past this season due to work commitments. There is a lot of restructuring that needs to go on at this club and unfortunately, with me trying to get into the police force, I will be unable to give this position the time it requires.”

Full story in Thursday's Evening Star