Andy Neal placed in temporary charge of Petersfield Town

PETERSFIELD TOWN have placed reserve team manager Andy Neal in temporary charge of the first team following Ian Saunders’ move to Winchester City.

Town have turned to a familiar face in Neal to steady the ship while they search for Saunders’ successor. Neal will be assisted by the club’s remaining coaching staff – Shane Brayson, John Geddes, Danny Phillips and Ben Buckland.

They start their Southern Central campaign on Saturday at Chalfont St Peter and chairman Graeme Moir is still confident his club can get off to a good start despite the upheaval.

Moir told the club’s website: “We have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to make sure we are ready for the start of the new season.

“All of the committee has joined together to give Andy all the support he needs to prepare the team for the first league game of the season.

“Andy has been exceptional since the news broke of Ian’s departure. He hasn’t stopped working on the squad and is looking to add some quality signings to a squad of players which was already packed with quality players.

“We will be looking to start the season with three points on Saturday and everyone behind the scenes at Love Lane is working towards that aim.”