Former Wantage Town boss Gary Ackling has been appointed manager of Abingdon United, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

Ackling takes over at the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division strugglers, having resigned as manager of Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West side Wantage earlier this month.

His former assistants at Alfredian Park, Andy Lyne and Rob Wytchard, have also made the switch, with Andy Wallbridge and Ellis Langford stepping down as coaches at Abingdon.

Despite dropping down a division, Ackling is confident he’s made the right decision.

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“We obviously weren’t looking to go back to the Hellenic League again having worked so hard to get out of it last season,” he said.

“It’s difficult because we were in the Southern League and were loath to give that up.

“But when I met (secretary) John and (chairwoman) Debbie Blackmore that’s really what clinched it for me, just their desire to get the club back up into the Southern League.”

Ackling has already started his recruitment drive at Northcourt Road as he seeks to transform the side’s fortunes, bringing in Wantage captain Tom Melledew.

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