New Woodbridge Town manager Jamie Scales will be expected to stabilise the Woodpeckers after being appointed manager.

The former Town skipper, who played 291 times for the club, landed his first managerial role, having featured for Grundisburgh, in the SIL, last season.

Scales, 34, who will register as a player, replaces Lee Elliston, who left the club to manage Burnham Ramblers.

“Jamie’s played for the club and is also a local lad,” said Beecroft, whose side dropped into Thurlow Nunn Division One last season.

“He knows the local scene and we all know that players tend to follow managers, as we have seen as a result of losing two managers (Elliston and Mark Scopes).

“We need to strengthen the first team. That will allow some of our younger players to go back down to the reserves which is very reliant on under-18s at the moment.

“There is no pressure on Jamie though. We were relegated last season and we need some stability within the club. If we make progress that will be a bonus.”

The first team and reserves host Claydon in a double-header tomorrow (Saturday), kick-offs at 1 and 3pm.

Woodbridge kick-off the season at Team Bury on August 9.

See more in Monday’s Ipswich Star.