LORDSWOOD FC chairman John O'Halloran has confirmed caretaker-boss Barry Zillwood as the club's manager on a permanent basis for next season.

Zillwood, who took over from sacked boss Wayne Godden in February, has guided the club away from the wrong end of the Bass Brewers Kent League, Premier Division table with some impressive results.

O'Halloran admitted: "The players were asking us what was going to happen next season so we felt it was right to make the decision now. Barry, and his back room team, have turned the side around. We had to consider what the boys wanted and it was felt he's the best man for the job."

The chairman added: "I was a little apprehensive when I hired Wayne Godden because of his man-management skills. He was a strict disciplinarian and sometimes that doesn't work.

"Morale went in the dressing room and we couldn't let it continue. But I'm pleased to say the decision to give Barry the job has been vindicated."

Zillwood, who is enjoying his third stint as Lordwood manager after running the team for five seasons from 1995 onwards and then again on a caretaker basis at the end of the 2000-1 campaign, says he's delighted to accept the role again.

He said: "When I replaced Wayne in February I wasn't sure about it but, once I got back in, the adrenaline took over. I'm looking forward to next season because I think we can do well."