MICHAEL Shinn is revelling in his role as stand-in AFC Sudbury manager.

Shinn, who was previously assistant manager to Chris Tracey, has thrown himself into the job after being handed the reins along with coach Ian Brown.

Since Tracey resigned in mid-March Shinn has helped oversee a hectic spell, culminating in five matches in 11 days, but he is not complaining.

And he fully understands why the Ryman League have resisted extending the end of the season as clubs continue to play catch-up due to the number of postponed fixtures.

Shinn said: “A manager once said to me no-one works harder than a non-league manager. You do get paid a wage, but it is hard work. I wouldn’t swap it, although it is tough at times.

“Clubs budget for a season of 37 weeks, so if the league extended the season by two weeks clubs would have to budget for another two weeks, so it is not a good idea to extend it.”

Shinn and Brown have been put in charge at the Ryman League Division One North club until further notice as Sudbury decide on who will be their next manager.

Both ex-AFC Sudbury boss Mark Morsley, who is now with Needham Market, and Danny Laws, who effectively swapped places with Morsley to take over at Leiston, were linked with the job which has attracted interest from other high-profile managers and ex-professional players.

Shinn said: “As I have said before, there will be other people who apply for the job with far more experience than me because being manager of AFC Sudbury is a massive job in Suffolk.

“I have said to the Board I would like the job, but if they decide to go elsewhere I will back that person 100 per cent.”

In the meantime the club are pressing ahead with plans for next season’s squad.

In addition to Shinn signing for next season, skipper Sam Clarke and striker James Baker have also agreed new one-year deals.

“Three or four others appear to be close to signing for next year as well,” said Shinn.

“We are probably not going to get everybody signed up, but everyone has still got a chance until the end of the season to prove that they are good enough and willing enough to be here next season. The league table doesn’t lie and we are where we are for good reasons.”

AFC Sudbury, who currently occupy 14th position, travel to Brentwood Town today. The Suffolk side have completed 39 of their 42 fixtures, which along with Waltham Forest, is more than any other team in the division.