PAUL West has been installed as Evesham United's new manager after impressing club officials during a four-week caretaker spell.

The 36-year-old, a popular figure at Common Road, took temporary charge of relegation-threatened Robins following last month's sacking of Dave Busst.

Although United failed to win any of their last three games with West at the helm, confidence is said to be improving under the former Wigan, Bradford and Morecambe defender.

West's main priority is to rescue the club's Southern League Premier Division status, although they sit eight points adrift of safety.

"Paul has done very well over the last few weeks," admits United chairman Jim Cockerton. "I think the performances, with more or less the same players, have been much better.

"He's conducted himself very well and we believe he can do the job.

"We remain optimistic that we can stay up. If Paul pulls it off for us, that would be great. We initially gave him the job until the end of the season, but he needs to plan for next season."

West said: "I'm delighted and honoured that the committee want me to be manager of the club."

Meanwhile, United yesterday signed a conditional contract for the sale of Common Road. House building company Bloor Homes look set to purchase the land as Evesham plan to move to a new purpose-built stadium off Cheltenham Road for the start of the 2007/08 campaign.

The Robins will play home games at Worcester City next season.