Damian Hilton has been re-appointed as Wroxham's first team manager, and has already responded by promising to re-build a successful team for the future.

Damian Hilton has been re-appointed as Wroxham's first team manager, and has already responded by promising to re-build a successful team for the future.

Hilton let go of the Yachtsmen's helm earlier this month, having decided he wished to continue his playing career, but felt unable to manage the team effectively while a component of the squad on the field.

The club took immediate steps by bringing in team captain Graham Challen as caretaker boss but he agreed to carry on only until he recovered full fitness from an industrial injury and was able to play again in two weeks time.

An advertisement for a new manager resulted in a number of names being received and Damian Hilton's was among them.

Hilton informed the club chairman Tom Jarrett he had second thoughts about his future in local football and wished for his job back while considering playing only in the case of absolute necessity for the good of the team.

“We had a number of applications for the position and I thank those who applied,” said Jarrett. “But after consulting with my senior officers, the sponsors and most importantly the players we unanimously reached a decision that Damian Hilton who has done the club proud since his appointment in May 2005 was our man for the job and we are pinning our faith on him to move the club forward in a team re-building programme.”

He went on: “I know for certain that all the well established players have the highest regard for Hilton as their manager and so have the committee and our loyal fan base. We have arrived at a correct and popular outcome to what could have developed into weeks of uncertainty.”

Hilton, now 30, whose soccer heart and soul appears deeply embedded in the Trafford Park turf following many seasons with the club, said he was delighted to be back and added: “I never wanted to leave Wroxham Football Club. Okay, I changed my mind about playing and managing but after realistically considering my position where else could I go? I'm very optimistic about the future of this football club. I have to deal with a couple of problems that have caused a few upsets in recent games and I intend to grasp the nettle and take prompt action for the common good. I've been promised assistance from Graham Challen and Gavin Lemmon in training sessions and that will give me more time to study fresh talent as I prepare for next season and beyond.”

Hilton's former assistant Greg Downs has left the club.