VICTORY over Thame United last week would have left Dave Busst celebrating his first year in charge at Common Road with 50 per cent winning record from his 46 matches in charge, writes Mervyn Collins.

Evesham have won 22 league and cup matches since the former Coventry City player took charge for the first time alongside Paul West at Yate Town when the new management team saw the Robins throw away a three-goal lead.

United's fortunes have come along way since that topsy-turvy start and they go into Saturday's Southern League Division One West top of the table clash with leaders Mangotsfield as one of five teams on 27 points.

It's been a remarkable turnaround and one that Busst and West have worked extremely hard to put together.

"I think it's very much an upward trend ever since the opening game," Busst proudly admitted. "I don't think people at the club envisaged such a transformation in that space of time but there can be no complacency. I think if anything that's why we didn't finish higher last season.

"It's not surprised me that we are up there this time around," Busst declared. "The reorganisation of the leagues has obviously meant a weaker division and it was always going to be difficult to gauge how strong the new set-up was going to be. The standard isn't as high but it's made things very even."

Busst revealed the influence that West has had on the partnership. "We know how each other works and that's been a key factor in our relationship.

"We're a good team, I've known Paul a long time. We both know what the crack is and it's been great working together."

Busst has also been delighted with the input of new physiotherapist Natasha Day, who has been nurtured in the role by Phil Greenway.

"Tash has brought in new ideas and I've given her the power to enforce them," the United manager declared. "It's all part of the new regime and the players seem to enjoy it and that's important."

The start of Busst's second year in charge brings with it a tough league double-header with this weekend's clash followed by a visit to another title chaser Taunton Town on Saturday, November 20.

"It's been a tough month for us but we've done alright so far and I feel that we're equipped to deal with whatever is thrown at us," the manager declared confidently.

"Mangotsfield score a lot of goals and we haven't been conceding many so it promises to be an interesting afternoon."

Busst will choose from a full-strength squad that will include Steve Duncan, available again after holiday, and David Carns and Ravi Sangha who are expected to declare themselves fit at tonight's second training session of the week after shaking off niggling injuries.

Busst is also confident that Tim Clarke will be able to take his place between the sticks after suffering a recurrence of a groin problem. If he suffers any reaction then a fit again Dave Adey will be available to deputise.

Juts for the record, United have won 22 of the 46 matches since Busst took over, drawing seven and losing 17. The Robins have found the net 69 times, while conceding 48 in what has proved an astute appointment by a committee that has offered the manager maximum backing.

Saturday's match is being sponsored by Tom Martin from Bamber Bridge near Preston and the ball by former manager Micky Brennan.