MICHAEL Shinn is confident AFC Sudbury can get a positive result in his first match in charge today.

Player-coach Shinn and coach Ian Brown have been put in temporary charge following the resignation of manager Chris Tracey on Wednesday.

AFC Sudbury, who currently occupy 13th place in Ryman League Division One North, travel to promotion-chasing Thamesmead Town this afternoon.

Thamesmead, who have lost twice in their last four league games after a run of ten straight victories, lie third in the table and will provide stern opposition.

Shinn, who was assistant manager to Tracey, said: “Where better to start?

“I am confident with the players we have got in the dressing room that we can go anywhere and get a result.

“We have got a great chance of doing so as they have lost a couple recently, after ten wins in a row.

“It is not an easy place to go, but if we go there with the right frame of mind I am confident we can get a result.”

Skipper Sam Clarke, who has been out with a knee injury sustained five weeks ago soon after his return from five months out with a broken arm, may return to the squad.

“He trained on Thursday night and provided he doesn’t suffer a reaction he will be involved,” said Shinn, who sympathised with Tracey, after he stood down due to work commitments.

Shinn said: “It is sad for Lurch (Tracey’s nickname) because of his affinity to Sudbury.

“I am disappointed it has not worked out for him the way he wanted it to, but there comes a time when you have to make a decision between work and football and at the end of the day football is not going to pay your bills.

“He felt it was something he had to do and you have to respect him for that.

“We have become good friends and I am sure we will still talk to each other regularly.”

Brown, who played with Tracey before joining the club as coach last October, said: “I really liked Chris and got on well with him.

“Although things probably didn’t go as well he wanted them to I think he did well. We have had some good results, but have been inconsistent.

“He gave everything to the club as both a player and a manager.”