He said he was going to focus on youth when he took over the hotseat – and Whitton boss Shane Coldron isn’t regretting that decision.

The former assistant manager at Stowmarket Town last season, where Rick Andrews’ team won promotion to the Thurlow Nunn Premier, took over in the summer at King George V, and has made a fine start to life as Greens’ manager.

Eight league games in and six wins on the board, the Ipswich-based team are currently sitting in second place in the Thurlow Nunn Division One table.

This weekend it’s FA Vase action however – a break from the league – and a chance for Coldron’s young players to pit their skills against higher opposition, in Haverhill Rovers.

“Yes the plan was to focus on youth and that’s what we have done,” Coldron said.

“That was our philosophy. To bring pace to the team, play expansive football and it’s worked well up to now.

“I’ve been very fortunate, this team have gelled very quickly, they have a nice style in the way they play and in my opinion, even the two games we have lost, we have not deserved to do so.”

Only Halstead and Framlingham have taken three points off Whitton so far this season and both are expected to be up among the front-runners come April.

However, it’s off-pitch changes Coldron feels have also made a big difference.

“When I came in I wanted the club to have a more professional approach,” he said.

“So, we have a goalkeeping coach, a strength and conditioning coach, as well as Robbie Knott, who knows Whitton through and through. He’s with us. We make a good four. I thought we could target top six and I think that is achievable.”

Coldron won’t be drawn any further on his side’s hopes of automatic promotion at this early stage and is now looking forward to Saturday’s test against Rovers.

“We have spoken to the players and told them there is no pressure, just go and enjoy yourselves, express yourselves,” Coldron added.

“Win, lose or draw at Haverhill we will have picked up some pointers for us to work on.”