New boss Benji Tricker confident of Shepton Mallet survival

Benji Tricker is confident his Shepton Mallet side will stave off the threat of relegation following his appointment as manager on Monday.

The 33-year-old joined the club in a player-coach role three weeks ago after Glyn Shaw stood down as manager at the turn of the year.

However, after helping the side pick up their first win in three months on Saturday, chairman John Hugill offered Tricker, pictured, the vacant managerial position with the aim of consolidating their position in Division 1 of the Toolstation League.

"My first target is to make sure we avoid relegation, which I have every confidence we will do," said Tricker, who also had a spell at West Shepton as a player last season.

"I'm focused on getting some good results and building momentum and then having a really good go at the league next season.

"I've been playing for the last few weeks and came in to help when John asked me to come down. I did but said I wanted to apply for the manager's position as well.

"I took training last week and the players responded well, I think the fact that I'm still a player has helped me get my views across."

Chairman Hugill, who has acted as a temporary manager for the last three weeks, confirmed that it was the positive response from the players that persuaded him to appoint Tricker.

He said: "Benji came to us and expressed a wish to be considered for the manager's position but, with him being such a good player, it was important for us to have him involved on that side as well.

"He was here last season as well, so that experience as an ex-player was important, and he was also involved within the coaching set up then.

"Saturday's result certainly worked quite well in helping us to make the decision and it was important for us to see how the players reacted to him in the changing rooms.

"They have all responded positively and, when you have a squad who all want to play for their manager, you are halfway there.

"He's a good coach and a good motivator, so I'm sure he will do an excellent job."

Despite focusing on the managerial position, Tricker intends to continue as a player and is set to appoint Gary Hillard as his assistant, while also making minor changes to the squad.

"I'm 33 and have been playing in the Toolstation League for the last ten years," said Tricker.

"Moving into management is certainly something I have been wanting to do but I'm not sure if I want to give up playing just yet.

"If the team can play without me then great but I think we need someone in the dugout anyway, as it's a lot for me to do if I am still playing.

"I'm a firm believer in the squad we have here and I think they are good enough to perform in this division. I don't want to make too many changes, maybe just a few tweaks here and there.

"Right now, though, I'm just buzzing about the first game and can't wait to get out there."

Shepton Mallet have no fixture this weekend and are next in action when they travel to Roman Glass St George on Friday, February 10.