Second place will be failure for new Whitnash boss Shearsby

Marc Friend guided Town to two Ricoh Arena finals and the runners-up spot in the Coventry Alliance Premier Division last season, with the Acre Close club only missing out on the title by a point.

Outside commitments have forced Friend to take a back seat at the club but his replacement comes with a wealth of managerial experience having cut his teeth at Southam, who he guided to two top-three finishes in the Midland Combination Premier and the Birmingham County Midweek Floodlit Cup.

Less successful stints at Stockton, Kenilworth Town and as assistant to Luke Fogarty at Banbury Road followed and Shearsby knows only instant success at Whitnash will restore his reputation.

He said: “It’s good to be back. After the last couple of appointments, I need to make this one work and I’m determined to make it work.”

“It was a job I couldn’t turn down. With the quality of the boys and the fantastic season they’ve just had, it’s all set up.

“But I’ve got to win the league and four trophies. There’s pressure there and it’s a big ask but I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Shearsby, who will be joined by coach Alan Guilford, inherits an impressive squad, with many having played Midland Combination or above.

However, he says it is wrong to accuse the players of a lack of ambition.

“The players should all be playing at a higher level but would rather play with their mates at Whitnash.

“It comes down to commitment. Many of them have got young families and there’s a lot of travelling involved in the MidComb.

“This way, it keeps them local and they can play good football with their mates and enjoy it.

“It certainly makes my job easier.”

Still only 39, Shearsby took a step back from managing last season to play for Stockton in Division Three of the Leamington & District Sunday League.

Third place and a Divisional Cup win followed, but the former Brakes striker says he will not be back for a fresh promotion assault.

“I’m knocking that on the head. I enjoyed last season but I always knew that if something like this came along I was always going to choose this.”