Wilkins gets off to winning start

Richard Wilkins got off a to winning start as Leiston's new manager on Tuesday night with a 3-0 win over Grays Athletic in the Ryman Premier.

Wilkins, pictured, was appointed hours earlier on Tuesday as the successor to Steve Ball who left Victory Road after Saturday's 3-2 win over Bognor Regis Town to become a full-time coach at League Two Colchester United.

The new Blues manager left Ryman Premier rivals Bury Town after fourteen years in May and had been working as Ball’s number two this season.

The win lifted the Suffolk club into the play-offs spots and in a statement announcing his appointment, the Blues said: "Richard Wilkins needs no introduction as he had a fine record at Bury Town, winning numerous trophies and is extremely well respected in Non-League circles.

"Having been assistant to Steve Ball for three months, and due to his excellent record in the Ryman Premier, Wilkins’ appointment was an easy one to make and one which he was happy to take."

Wilkins said: "There are not that many jobs in the area that would appeal to me but Leiston is a positive club with some good people on board."

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