PAT McManus has appointed a new right-hand man at Sydenhams Premier outfit Brockenhurst.

Richard Morse – formerly player/assistant boss under his predecessor John Pyatt – has returned to Grigg Lane as his No2.

“When it became clear that Tony Patten, who’s been with me a long time, wasn’t able to commit, I spoke to Morsey last season,” said McManus.

“Richard and I are on the same page football-wise and it’s all looking very, very positive.

“Richard played for me two seasons ago when I took over as manager, but his chances were limited and he went to Totton & Eling.

“Last year he was with Bashley and Christchurch as a player, but he’s coming back to Brock solely as assistant and he’s very much looking forward to it.”

The vibe at Grigg Lane has changed markedly this week following McManus’s decision to withdraw his resignation after a positive meeting with club officials.

The boss had been concerned that lack of a budget for next season would take the club backwards.

But Brock have now agreed an “action plan” to move forward and McManus has welcomed the promise of fund-raising commercial activity to aid the football side of the club.

He said: “We didn’t drop out of the top eight until January last season but, when we suffered the injuries and suspensions every club gets at the turn of the year, we were in no position to strengthen because there was zero commercial activity taking place.

“We tailed off from sixth to 14th as a direct result of that.

“Resignation was never on the agenda, but I didn't feel I had a choice.

 "But I was pleased to be asked to a meeting with the club and be told there is some undertaking for commercial activity.

“Another reason I withdrew my resignation is that I’ve got a core of players who want to play together and for me.”

McManus is even hopeful that midfielder Tom Hill will now stay at Brock despite overtures from ambitious divisional rivals Blackfield & Langley.