MELTON St Audry’s have appointed Phil Fairbrother and Paul Ray as first-team managers for next season.

Steve Moore and James Leech resigned in the wake of Friday night’s 4-1 Bob Coleman Cup final defeat to Crane Sports.

Moore confirmed after Friday’s final at Woodbridge Town that he would be carrying on next season, but chairman Jeff Airey was informed on Saturday afternoon of their decision to stand down and moved quickly to appoint Fairbrother and Ray.

Fairbrother is an ex-player, manager and committee member of the club, having previously managed Haughley United and Framlingham Town, and Ray has been player/manager of the club’s reserves side.

Airey said: “This is a new beginning for the club and hopes the players will rally round the new managers. I also would like to thank Steve and James for their efforts and wish them well in their new ventures.”

The new management will be holding a players meeting and welcome any prospective players who feel they have the ability and attitude to play for a progressive senior club.

Dates for pre-season training and friendlies will be announced shortly.