EVESHAM United manager Dave Busst has signed a two-year contract with the Common Road club, writes Mervyn Collins.

The former Coventry City defender, whose career was tragically cut short through injury, took charge of team affairs last November when Paul West was named assistant manager.

After a far from promising start, the pair led the Robins on a seven-game undefeated run that brought Busst the Dr Martens League Western Division's Manager of the Month Award for January.

However, three successive defeats in February have brought United's revival to an abrupt halt.

"We wanted to give the club some stability so we decided to offer Dave a long-term deal," said Evesham chairman Jim Cockerton.

"He took time to sort things out after Phil left but he has been patient and things were looking good until we had that break at the end of last month.

PL:09dave.jpg:Top boss: January's manager of the Month receives his award from Dr Martens League secretary Dennis Strudwick. Chairman Jim Cockerton looks on

"I can't understand why it's gone sour now but I've got every confidence that Dave will continue to lead the club in the right direction."

Skipper Lee Knight should be back to take his place in central defence for Tuesday night's clash with Bromsgrove Rovers, while Marc Burrow is available again for tomorrow's Bedworth clash at Common Road.

Inderpaul Khela dislocated his shoulder for a third time this season in the 1-0 defeat against Mangotsfield but Busst is hoping the ex-Kidderminster man will be fit.

Seven-day approaches have been made to Studley for midfielder Steve Duncan and the same offer has been made to Nuneaton teenager Danny Williams.

The Evesham manager expressed delight at the showing of latest recruit Omar Green.

"He's got blistering pace and he wants to be at this level," Busst revealed. "He's playing four or five levels before this league and he's going to carry on playing there although he will be available for selection when his club are without a game."

Peter Sutton, who played under Busst at Solihull, was another debutant last weekend after Bromsgrove Rovers waived the usual seven-day rule to enable the striker to link up again with his former manager.