Former Saints midfielder Kevin Gibbens is the new player-manager of Blackfield & Langley.

The 34 year-old played 12 games for Saints from 1998-2001 and has been outstanding for Sydenhams Wessex Premier champions Blackfield for the last 18 months.

He replaces Glenn Burnett, who resigned as manager this week following a disagreement over team selection.

The backroom staff will remain the same.

Assistant manager Chris Farrell said: “I suggested that Kevin be the new manager, he commands the respect of the players and everyone is 100 per cent behind him.

“I think he’ll be an excellent manager. After all the negative press we can now concentrate on football.”

Blackfield had won five successive matches before crashing 5-0 at Folland Sports on Saturday.

Gibbens’ first game as player-manager will be tonight’s SWLP game against Whitchurch at Gang Warily.