EVESHAM United manager Mike Ford has recruited the former Cinderford Town boss Alex Sykes as his new assistant manager ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Sykes will be no stranger to Evesham supporters, having managed in the Southern League Division One South for many years and after leaving Cinderford recently.

The former Mansfield Town, Forest Green Rovers and Gloucester City player will replace Anton Sambrook, who has left the club due to not being able to fully commit to the role.

"I lost my number two Anton, who did a brilliant job for me," said Ford. 

"He is a fantastic fellow and the best man at my wedding. He has not moved on to anything in football, as he can no longer make the commitment for next season. I wish him all the best.

"I have taken Alex from Cinderford Town, where he did a good job in difficult circumstances. I didn’t know him particularly well, I liked him as a man and a football person from the conversations we had.

"I am really looking forward to working with him as he has lots of experience and was a good player in his own right. He knows the players at this level and I think we are lucky to have him."

Skyes has managed the likes of Bishop's Cleeve and Shortwood United, followed by a stint at Redditch United as assistant manager before he joined Cinderford.

But after relegation from the Southern League, Skyes left the club and now joins Evesham for the upcoming campaign. 

"The chance to work with Mike was a bit of a no-brainer, with me knowing him for a long time, but not being close necessarily," added Skyes.

"After various conversations, it was pivotal for me to try and help add value to what Mike is doing. Being in the locality means I know the local players.

"Certainly my coaching style will help and for the point of view for the gaffer, also being able to bounce ideas of somebody else who has been in that position, having managed over 400 games at this level and played at two, three, four levels above.

"I am hoping the experience I have got will help complement what is there with the gaffer and Byrnie, that’s the plan really.

"As a manager, I feel like I have done my time at Bishop’s Cleeve, Shortwood United, including the FA Cup run and some backing, and Cinderford Town, a tough job for different reasons. It is pleasing to come into a setup that is ripe and ready."