PAUL West has been appointed Evesham United's manager on a permanent basis, writes Mervyn Collins.

A committee meeting on Monday night voted unanimously to give West the job and he was delighted to accept.

"It's an honour to be offered the job and it's nice to have the full backing of the committee and I want to repay that faith with success on the field," the new man in charge declared.

"We felt that Westy deserved the chance and whatever happens come the end of this season we wanted to make a decision," chairman Jim Cockerton admitted.

"He's gone about his business so far in a good way and he will still have Micky Brennan to help him and hopefull put things in place for next season."

West will welcome back top scorer Richard Ball for Saturday's visit of Hitchin Town but another recent absentee, Lee Knight, has joined Stourport Swifts on loan.

"The players now know that they are playing for their futures and I want to end the season on a positive note," West declared.

"Having Bally back is a great boost and I think we would have won last Saturday had he been in the side."

The United manager is hopeful of brining in Willenhall midfielder Chad Shepherd ahead of another crucial game, while also revealing that Nathan Vaughan will start in goal.

"All the players will have a part to play, there's healthy competition for places now and trying to select a starting 11 will be a nice headache to have!"

Evesham's youth team plays host to Alvechurch on Monday in the Midland Floodlit Youth League, kick-off 7.30pm.

The match ball for Saturday's match is being sponsored by P J Nicholls, Station Road, Pinvin and the ball by Netherlands Bacon, Sittingbourne.