New Diss Town manager Paul Bugg turned down the chance to succeed Jules Mumford at Long Melford, prior to being appointed the new boss of the Tangerines.

Bugg joined Mumford at Long Melford towards the end of last year and helped the Villagers stay in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

With Mumford stepping down after five seasons, which included an historic promotion, Bugg was earmarked to take over, but the former Whitton United manager chose to step down a division instead, signing on with the Tangerines.

“It was a joint effort between myself and Jules (Mumford) at Long Melford and we managed to keep them in the Premier Division,” said Bugg.

“The job was mine if I wanted it, but I always remember Mark Morsley saying how he thought Diss was a sleeping giant and a club that could go forward. I agree with that and I want to be the man to stoke the fire.

“I just felt that my personal ambition suited Diss and the I like the club’s history and reputation in local football. I feel it is the right option for me.”

Bugg, who guided Whitton to the Division one title in 2014, plus the Suffolk Senior Cup, will be joined by former Debenham LC head coach Stuart Reavell, who will be the Tangerines’ new first-team coach and Paul Denness, who will take on the role of goalkeeping coach.

“Diss finished seventh last season and the ambition is to better that,” explained Bugg.

“With the players that have already shown an interest in coming across to join me, I think it would be very difficult not to do that.”

Diss will be one of a number of teams vying for the top spots next season – the likes of Framlingham, Holland, Whitton and Debenham also likely to be strong.

However, Bugg thinks there is one clear favourite for next season’s title.

“I believe whoever finishes above Woodbridge Town will win the title,” Bugg said.

“They have got a very exciting, young team and the lad Mark Ray in attack is a quality striker.”

Long Melford are looking for a new manager. To apply for the position please email your football CV/background to woodhousealf@gmail.com by Monday, June 5, 2017.