ALRESFORD Town, relegated from the Sydenhams League (Wessex) Premier Division last season, have appointed Richard Luffman as their new manager.

Luffman formerly managed Hampshire Premier League side Otterbourne who folded at the end of last season.

The Otters finished runners-up behind champions Baffins Milton and won both the Hampshire Intermediate Cup and Andover Cup in the best season of their 53-year history, but disbanded after their parish council refused permission for ground improvements, including floodlights.

Luffman took Otterbourne from 17th to second in three seasons. Many of the Otterbourne players, including top scorer Tom Sands, have followed him to Alresford’s Arlebury Park. Luffman will be assisted by goalkeeper Marc Cole and physio Sam Veal, both ex-Otters. Ryan Doswell will share the assistant role.

Steve Harrod, former Otterbourne reserves’ manager, will run Alresford’s second team, helped by George Black.

Luffman and Harrod have been elected onto Alresford’s committee, joining Trevor Ingram (chairman), Stuart Munro (vice-chairman), Lance Edwards treasurer), Keith Curtis (secretary) and Paddy Walshe.