Wrens won't rush manager hunt

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Rainworth Miners Welfare have handed senior player Scott Rickards the caretaker manager's role as they come to terms with the loss of manager Kevin Gee and assistant Ian Whyte, writes Gordon Foster.

The pair tendered their resignations at Kirklington Road after Tuesday night's shock home defeat by First Division South bottom markers Brigg Town. The 3-1 reverse was the Wrens' third defeat in a run that has also seen them slip out of the FA Cup.

Former Tamworth, Kidderminster, Redditch, Nuneaton, Alfreton and Derby County youth striker Rickards, 31, will take charge for the first time on Saturday when the Wrens make the long trek to Market Drayton Town. They've lost their last two outings since the departure of Lee Ebden last week and are currently in the hands of another caretaker manager, Simon Lines.

Gee joined the Wrens when they were bottom of Division One South in November 2011. Under his guidance, the club has been transformed from Evo-Stik NPL strugglers to an established Step 4 outfit.

Optimism had been high this season with new chairman Mark Hawkins on board after he saved the club from voluntary relegation for financial reasons last season. Gee also looked to have the makings of a side capable of challenging for the Play-offs.

Wrens Chairman Mark Hawkins insists they won't be rushed into finding Gee's replacement and praised their former manager and his assistant for their achievements during their tenure.

Hawkins said: "It's a great disappointment to me that it has come to this. Kev is a truly great guy who deserves success and, in thanking him and 'Chalkie' on behalf of the club for their efforts for Rainworth Miners' Welfare and for all that they have achieved in establishing the club at this level, I would like to wish them the success they deserve where ever they take up their next challenge.

"We will not rush into any new appointment. It is more important to get the right man to build on Kev's achievements than to rush into the wrong appointment. In the meantime, senior player Scott Rickards will be handling team affairs until such time as a new manager is in place."