NEW Stowmarket Town manager Steve Jay last night warned that there would be “no quick fix” at the Ridgeons League Division One club.

Jay, who led Hadleigh United to promotion from Division One in 2008/09, parted company with the Brettsiders in acrimonious circumstances just before the start of last season.

He takes over as sole first team manager at Stowmarket, who finished 15th in Division One last season, following the departure of Christian Appleford, who has taken over the reins at Premier Division Mildenhall.

Appleford was joint manager last season at Greens Meadow with John Griffin, who has moved over to be general manager.

Jay, 47, spent the latter part of last season as joint manager with Rob Allum of Kingsley Healthcare SIL Senior Division side Framlingham Town.

He said: “It is definitely a challenge, which is something I like. I have some players in mind to strengthen the side who I have already got training with us, but there will be no quick fix.

“It will take a couple of seasons to get the side I want together. I want us to push up the league this year and have set a target of finishing just above half way.”

Griffin said of Jay’s appointment: “He is someone that I have always got on well with from the opposing dugout and admired his achievements at Hadleigh from afar. The tough call to not do this job with him has been made and I feel it is the right choice for the club.

“I can now help the whole senior section from the sidelines in player recruitment, development and continue the plans I set out at the start of last season.

“The players at the club are all working hard and are excited about the season ahead, especially the clash with Steve’s old club Hadleigh (in the Ridgeons League Cup) in September!

“My role as operations director will now be temporarily covered by Michael Prentice until the AGM in October, so I am fully committed to helping all three teams reach their objectives.”