Ford popular

Mike Ford is the interim manager, it was announced today. Fordy was picked ahead of Mickey Lewis to look after the team until a new permanent manager is appointed, presumably because of his leadership qualities which he exhibited as team captain. If anyone can gee the team up for Sunday's match against our wilting rivals then Fordy can. Ford took charge of first team training today and reportedly worked his new charges very hard. Central News reported that if Ford gets good results in his first few games then he may well be offered the job permanently, which contradicts Kassam's earlier statement that he would definitely be appointing from outside the club. However, Kassam was interviewed by Tim Russon so it is feasible that the story originated direct from the chairman, although we trust it was just a misrepresentation.

Wright makes his mark

Mark Wright has emerged as an early favourite in the race to be United's new manager. He has been seen up the Manor a couple of times over the last week and has publicly stated his desire to get into league management. Wright is currently in charge of Southport, his first managerial post, who he has taken to fifth in the Conference.

Reserves

United's reserves continued their impressive run last night, losing 3-2 to Brighton in Worthing in front of the watching former manager Denis Smith (let's just repeat that: former manager Denis Smith). Simon Weatherstone put United ahead in the 12th minute before Lee Steele's equaliser in the 54th minute. Chris Hackett restored the U's lead less than a minute later and Steele equalised for a second time two minutes thereafter. Scott Ramsay scored Brighton's 75th minute winner, following up after a good save from Jimmy Glass denied Steele his hat-trick. Apparently the scoreline flattered United. United's reserves have not won since November.