Vale appoint Mannion after Love's snub (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Vale appoint Mannion after Love's snub

10:16am Thursday 10th July 2008 in Football By Nick Mashiter

Football: Mike Mannion has been appointed the new manager of Pewsey Vale, finally ending a summer of massive upheaval at the club.

The former Stratton Juniors boss was originally interviewed for the post last month but lost out to Mark Love.

But Love performed a dramatic U-turn to join Shrivenham earlier this month just weeks after agreeing to be Vale boss.

It left the Hellenic League Division One West side looking for their third manager in just over two months, leaving chairman Alan Ritchie to turn to Mannion.

"He seems to be quite disciplined, it is how he likes to run his club," he said.

"Hopefully he is going to bring in a few players over and he is already talking to the players from last season about staying."

Meanwhile league rivals Malmesbury Victoria have been busy in the transfer market.

Joint managers Ken Regan and Lee Marshall have snapped up striker Dennis King from Shrivenham, Lee Stoddart from their former club Wootton Bassett, Craig Alexander from Purton and Mick Solan from Aldbourne.

"We still want to get in a couple more players," said Regan.

"They will be coupled with the players we already have from last season.

"It was difficult from last year because we came in half way through the season and tried not to upset anyone," said Regan.

"Not too many players wanted to move but we are back in the hunt now and won't finish third from bottom."

Malmesbury host Calne in their first pre-season game on Thursday July 24.