Wisbech Town have ended a traumatic week on a hugely positive note by appointing highly-rated Brett Whaley as their manager.

The Fenmen have been in turmoil since Dick Creasey quit as the club's first-team boss on Tuesday during a worrying stint which has seen a budget cut, six players and two members of staff depart. Yet the gloom finally started to lift this afternoon when it was confirmed that Whaley was leaving United Counties League (UCL) Premier Division rivals Yaxley to fill the void at the Fenland Stadium.

The man who guided the Cuckoos to a fine fourth-placed finish last term said: 'I'm delighted to have the opportunity to manage such a big club at this level.

'To be approached for the role has been a massive compliment and I can't wait to get started. We have two months hard work now before the season starts and I'll be doing everything I can to hit the ground running from the start of the season.'

Based near Peterborough, the 38-year-old cut his teeth in the non-league game with Ramsey Town, Deeping (assistant) and March Town United. During his second stint with the latter he guided them to a fourth-placed Thurlow Nunn First Division (Step Six) finish in 2012.

The lure of managing his hometown side proved too good to turn down – as did the step up the part-time pyramid – and it proved to be the right call. Whaley improved the Step Five Cuckoos' fortunes year-on-year surprassing most expectations with finishes of 12th, sixth and fourth last season further enhancing his reputation of being able to succeed without a huge budget.

Wisbech chairman Malcolm Clements, also speaking to his club's website, said: 'I'm really pleased to be welcoming Brett to the club, you only have to speak to the guy to know how approachable, passionate and enthusiastic he is. I really look forward to working with him as we prepare for next season.'

Whaley has been welcomed with a warning shot upon his arrival from the man he is replacing. Creasey, who guided the Fenmen to third last term, fears for the outfit's long-term future and believes they need to start cutting their cloth accordingly to avoid the financial troubles of the past.

'All I do know is a lot of clubs in the UCL don't have big budgets while some others do,' said Creasey.

'Wisbech might have to try and do it (playing games next season) with a set of local lads. You can only do what you can do. You can't have £1 and spend £2. It just doesn't work like that.

'The biggest loss to this football club hasn't been Dick Creasey, (players) Josh Ford or Adam Millson though. It's Dave Parsons (vice-chairman 'Snips' who stood down in April). He's been absolutely vital in more ways than one. Snips is Wisbech Town through and through. He's done every single job you could have thought of.

'He's dipped his hand in his pocket – and not lightly either. And to think he's taken abuse at times – it's totally wrong.

'At Step Two, three, four, five and six, a lot of clubs have a benefactor who can dig their hand in their pocket when things get short. Wisbech haven't got that now so it's going to be really, really difficult.

'Malc is a good man but he's stepped into a job that's massive.'