Dean Hutchins is the new manager of Stockbridge FC.

Club president Dave Webb said: “We decided on a sub committee of three people representing a cross section of the club – Graham Macken from the youth section, Stewart Couch, a local businessman who has recently joined the committee and myself – to elect the new manager.

“We had eight candidates apply for the job, varying from high profile and experienced managers to young up and coming ones and we thank all those that applied. Making the choice was not easy.

“In the end we decided that Dean fitted our vision of how we want the club to go forward. It was unanimously supported by the full committee at a meeting last week.

“Dean came over as an intelligent, motivated person who was passionate about getting the job and he said if appointed he was not in it for the short term but wanted to grow as a manager and help take the club forward again. “We made it clear to Dean that we don’t expect instant success as our first aim is to forget the trials of last season and put the smiles back on the faces of all who love the club.

“We all want success but for players to committee members and supporters we have to enjoy what we are doing.

“We want to get back to having a more local-based team who will feel a real part of the club.”

Hutchins will take the reins immediately and will be building a side to challenge for honours in the Hampshire Premier League having been placed there following their forced withdrawal from the Wessex League Division One last year.

With the new pavilion at the Rec almost complete there are exciting times ahead for the old club and Hutchins is delighted to be part of it.

“It is testament to people behind the scenes that the club is still around and they have a great history which would attract any manager.

“I intend to build a side which will not only compete in the Hampshire Premier but hold its own back in the Wessex League.”

The 31 year old former Andover keeper coached at Basinsgtoke Town’s academy most recently, having had a playing career at a number of local clubs cut short through a knee injury at 25.