West returns after Clarke and Elmes quit Robins (From Worcester News)

West returns after Clarke and Elmes quit Robins

11:10am Thursday 25th October 2012 in Sport By Tom Guest, @tomguestWN #WENsport

PAUL West is back at the helm of Evesham United after management duo Matt Clarke and Rob Elmes resigned in the wake of Tuesday’s 4-2 defeat to Didcot Town.

Former boss West quit the Evo-Stik Southern League club almost 12 months ago after a five-year stint as manager.

But he is now in caretaker control, starting with Saturday’s Division One South and West home game against Yate Town (3pm).

The 42-year-old, who first signed for Evesham 16 years ago as a player, recently rejoined them in an ambassadorial role.

Robins chairman Jim Cockerton said: “The official line is Matt and Rob have resigned, which was partly due to the travelling commitments in Matt’s case.

“However, you don’t have to be a brain of Britain to realise the results couldn’t go on as they had been.

“We had fans walking out of games because of the performances and we need to get them back as soon as possible. Westy will be in charge as caretaker for the next two to three weeks while we sift through the applicants for the job.”

He added: “Matt and Rob always did their best for the club and conducted themselves well, it was just unfortunate the results didn’t go for them.

“We would be keen to speak to Westy about taking the job on a permanent basis, but that is up to him if he wants to throw his hat into the ring and be involved again.

“He is really respected and liked here and has been a great ambassador for the club over the years.

“It was a shame the job got to him before but he wasn’t pushed out, it was his decision to leave.“ In Evesham’s third home defeat of the season against Didcot, recent signing Mark Danks was sent off for a late challenge.

Although Roland Agbor levelled an early goal, the visitors went 4-1 ahead before Agbor sprinted from the halfway line to beat the keeper.