Double act earn promotion

Sheffield FC have handed Ian Whitehorne and Vill Powell the job of leading their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League challenge next season.

On Wednesday the world's oldest club announced that the caretakers had been appointed permanently following their 2-0 home win over Carlton Town on Tuesday night, a result that extended their unbeaten run in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South to eight games.

Whitehorne, pictured, who is also Sheffield's General Manager, took over from former manager Curtis Woodhouse with player-coach Powell following the boxing star's exit soon after Christmas to pursue his career in the ring.

Sheffield say the decision has the full backing of the board given their recent results and hope the pair can now go on to develop the team for a successful campaign next season.

Whitehorne was delighted with the news and revealed how supporters and the growing team spirit among the squad had played a major part in the duo accepting their promotions.

He said: "It's an honour to be asked to take over on a permanent basis. It's been an enjoyable last few months, things haven't always gone our way, what with losing half a team, the weather and now the fixture pile up, but we have a good spirit here and a great bunch of lads.

"It is up to myself and Vill to now get to work on preserving what we have here. The current squad have showed over the last few months that they are more than a match for anyone in this league, so if we can strengthen in certain areas then we can give it a good go next season.

"Finally I would like to thank all the fantastic fans at the club for their support over this period. It's really their kind words and backing that's made us decide we want to stay and see this through."