Boss Brett Whaley has been working overtime to help restore a sense of calm at Wisbech Town, writes Gavin Caney.

Fenmen fans were hitting the panic button a little more than a week ago when boss Dick Creasey walked out during a spell which also saw six first-team players leave. But their spirits have been lifted in the past seven days with well-respected non-league boss Whaley arriving from Yaxley to steady the ship.

The high-profile signings of former King's Lynn Town duo Stuart Wall, a classy centre-back, and playmaking midfielder Rob Hughes have further lifted the positivity. And fellow new arrivals Aaron Butcher (goalkeeper) and Luke Hipwell (defender), along with a host of key senior players from last term committing their futures to Town, have only served to increase Wisbech supporters' happiness.

Whaley, who hosted a well-attended fans' forum on Thursday night, said on Twitter: 'Great to meet so many supporters, and it was clear to see how passionate about the club they all are.'

Financial fears – following a 20pc cut to the playing budget – also appear to have eased.

A club statement said: 'Upon joining the board in March the new members were quickly alerted to the fact that the club was suffering losses and were in financial trouble. We were very fortunate to be offered a secured loan to clear the debt from an anonymous benefactor outside of the board for which we are extremely grateful, we are in the process of setting up a payment plan to ensure it is paid back.

'We are working on initiatives along with other club members to improve finances which would in turn enable us to do more; however we remain firmly grounded and will not promise money that isn't there.'