MIDFIELDER Michael Shinn has been appointed as the new assistant manager at AFC Sudbury.

Shinn steps up to replace Barry Lakin, who was released recently by the Ryman League Division One North club along with five players.

Manager Chris Tracey said: “I am really pleased to announce that Michael Shinn has agreed to become the club’s assistant manager.

“We get on well and to have his input will help me both on match days as well as when we are training. He will, of course, continue his playing career with the club but feels ready and able to commit to his new position until the end of the season.”

Tracey, whose side travel to Bury Town tomorrow night in the John Banks Suffolk Premier Cup first round, said he was pleased with his team’s performance in their 1-1 draw against league leaders Potters Bar Town.

“I thought we were the better side and probably deserved all three points, especially with our second-half performance.

“The team are beginning to gel and we will only get better. We have players out and when they are back there will be a struggle for places and that can only be beneficial to everyone.”

AFC Sudbury have received mixed news on injured trio Sam Clarke, James Baker and Lee Boylan.

Clarke’s broken arm is making good progress, Baker has had his broken wrist re-plastered and is expected to be out for a further five weeks and Boylan was on the bench on Saturday after recovering from damaged ankle ligaments.