WHITTON United have appointed Gary Thompson as their new manager to replace Ronnie Mauge.Thompson, who played as a professional for Ipswich Town, has stepped up after running the Whitton second team this season.

By Elvin King

WHITTON United have appointed Gary Thompson as their new manager to replace Ronnie Mauge.

Thompson, who played as a professional for Ipswich Town, has stepped up after running the Whitton second team this season.

He takes charge for the first time tomorrow when Whitton visit Godmanchester in the First Division of the Ridgeons League.

Whitton chairman Phil Pemberton confirmed the appointment today, and said: “Gary has the experience and I have every confidence that he will carry on Ronnie's good work and lead the club to where we want to be.”

Mauge, who was in his third season in charge until resigning earlier this week, is still registered as a player with Whitton with his contract not running out until the summer of 2009.

“It is up to Gary whether Ronnie plays tomorrow,” added Pemberton.

“I would like to thank Ronnie for his work and if it was not for him we would not be where we are today - in a good position to make a move on the Premier Division.

“I wish him well as he has done an excellent job.”

Pemberton expects all the first team squad to stay adding: “We have a very good chance of doing something this season, and things are looking good for the club.”

Whitton's current pitch at King George V field off Old Norwich Road, Ipswich is to be built on soon, with a brand new stadium being built for them at the other end of the field.

“It is looking unlikely to be next season now,” said Pemberton. “But it is not too far off.”

Hadleigh United manager Steve Jay could be forgiven if he decides to go back to the drawing board for the trip to Diss Town.

Hadleigh's old familiar failing of a blunt cutting edge looked to be a thing of the past earlier this month with 16 goals in four games.

But the two latest performances have seen blanks fired in goalless draw against Saffron Walden followed by a 2-0 defeat at FC Clacton in the Ridgeons League Cup on Tuesday.

In the Premier Division, Steve Buckle has emerged as front runner to take over from Louis Newman as manager of Ipswich Wanderers.

The Felixstowe and Walton United assistant to Steve Potts is having talks with Wanderers chairman Ed Nicholls tonight with Nicholls saying:

“Glen Parker and Ian Crick will be in caretaker charge for tomorrow's match against Dereham and we hope to make a full time appointment within the next 48 hours.

“We have made a change to give ourselves every chance to move up the table.”

Needham Market face a tough challenge when Jason Dozzell's Leiston visit Bloomfields.

Prior to the start of the season they were fancied to gain promotion. But despite only one away league win they are capable of giving Needham a rough ride.

Needham boss Danny Laws is fully aware of this saying: “Leiston will be one of our hardest games of the season. We will be looking to maintain our momentum going and keep our 100% record alive.”

Last Saturday reigning champions Wroxham suffered a 1-0 reverse at Leiston, a result that allowed Needham to take over top spot. Laws has a full squad to select from.

Mick Stockwell's Woodbridge travel to high-fliers Soham, while Felixstowe and Walton United will fancy their chances at home to lowly Newmarket Town.

Walsham-le-Willows will attempt to arrest their poor run at Wroxham.