WHEN Chris Tracey took over as permanent boss of AFC Sudbury, the west Suffolk side were 20th in Ryman Division One North, with just one win in eight.

WHEN Chris Tracey took over as permanent boss of AFC Sudbury, the west Suffolk side were 20th in Ryman Division One North, with just one win in eight.

However, 10 weeks on, and since that appointment, Tracey has transformed the King’s Marsh club.

Two league defeats in their last 16 games, AFC Sudbury are now in the play-off positions, and looking more like the side who were being tipped for honours by the pundits pre-season.

Expectations are high, as Tracey understands.

“We won seven out of eight league matches and expectations went through the roof to be honest,” Tracey admits.

“Then we lost to Soham, our bogey side, on Boxing Day and that brought us down to earth a bit. But it’s been a great run and the play-offs are now a reality.

“If we were to win the league and get promoted well, after the start we had, it would be phenomenal.”

Tracey took over at King’s Marsh from Nicky Smith. A popular and larger-than-life character, he praises his squad, but makes his demands simple.

“I’ve got a good squad of players and I’ve tried to instil into them the same attitude I had as a player,” Tracey said.

“I know I had my limitations as a player, but I had a never-say-die attitude and I would header and kick every ball away, if that’s what it took.

“I’m doing the job I always wanted, the club is financially stable and is run the right way.

“Promotion for us would only be good, but there is a long way to go as yet.”

AFC Sudbury entertain current Ryman League Divison One North leaders, Leiston, in the Suffolk Premier Cup on Tuesday night and then in the league next Saturday. Two mouth-watering clashes.

Today, Tracey takes his side to Potters Bar, where he hopes to pick up another three points.

AFC SUDBURY

Next five games

Today, Potters Bar, away, league

Jan 10, LEISTON, home, Suff Prem Cup

Jan 14, LEISTON, home, league

Jan 18, Lewes, away, League Cup,

Jan 21, Cheshunt, away, league