New manager Brian Hughes swept into Witney Town last night - with the promise of putting the smile back on the trouble-torn club.

The 37-year-old, who was assistant manager to John Murphy during their one-season spell at Witney Town four years ago, made it clear he was keen to breathe new life in to the ailing club when he met the players at Marriotts Stadium.

He arrives after chairman Brian Constable sacked the last two managers, Andy Lyne and Gerry Pearson, in the space of six weeks.

A former professional with Swindon Town and Torquay United, Hughes said: "I watched Witney a couple of times last season and the place was like a morgue and the players didn't look like they were enjoying it. "But I thought if I could mix half of the players I know with half of the ones that were there I could put smiles back on people's faces and kick-start it."

Hughes managed Gloucester City last season before being sacked following a row over budget cuts and players' contracts.

When asked why he had now turned to Hughes, Constable, still with Pearson's brief tenure in mind, said: "It's better the devil you know than the one you don't."

Meanwhile, Town plan to run a Witney Academy side in Hellenic League Division 1 next season, while Mick Whalley, from Bampton, will be in charge of the under 18s.

ANNUAL AWARDS

Witney Gazette player of the year: J Caffel; supporters' player: G Murphy; players' player: S Tavinor; young player: D Morgan.