AFTER one draw and five defeats in their last six games, Abergavenny Thursdays' football management committee has voted to replace manager Bill Mainwaring.

The post of player-manager was offered to 31-year-old former Thursdays player Carl Evans last week.

And Evans, who is currently playing for Croesyceiliog FC in Welsh League Division Two, is delighted to be returning to be take control of "the biggest club in Gwent" from the end of this season.

He told the Free Press this week: "I played for Thursdays more than ten years ago when they were in the Welsh League, before I went to Caerleon.

"Going into management is something I want to do and I think this is the biggest club in Gwent, what with the facilities they have.

"All they need is a strong side on the pitch and the sky's the limit."

Football management committee chairman Stephen Head said: "We are thrilled that Carl is returning to the club as a manager. Everyone is enthusiastic and excited at the prospect of working with Carl. The future for this club is looking good."

Head explained that after a couple of difficult seasons, the committee decided a new man was needed at the club's helm, and to reflect its new "dynamic position".

The committee also re-iterated their intent on regaining Welsh League status in "the near future".

Thursdays have had a mixed season. They were joint top of the table back in December but have picked up just five points from their last 12 games - a run of form Mainwaring himself admitted this week was "atrocious". But Head paid tribute to the outgoing manager, saying: "Everyone at the club is determined to ensure that Billy remains an active member of the club.

"Billy kept this club alive in its darkest hours and thanks must be given to him for that.

"But Billy agreed that he had taken this club as far as he could and that now there is light at the end of the tunnel it is time for someone else to take over."

Anyone wishing to be involved in managing Thursdays' reserves team should contact Stephen Head, on 01873 851716.