HOLLAND FC have confirmed that Ray Turner and Rob Batten will be their new joint management team.

Batten had previously been in charge alongside Glenn Cowen, who stepped down for personal reasons after last Saturday's final-day victory at Cornard United.

Former FC Clacton boss Turner had been playing for the team but announced he was hanging up his boots - and therefore ending a long and illustrious non-league career on the north Essex scene - at the end of the season.

Now he is stepping up to be manager alongside long-serving Batten.

"I'm very happy to be joining the management team and looking forward to a very exciting future with the club," he said.

Ex-Gas Recreation boss Cowen decided to step down in order to spend more time with his family.

Holland finished fifth in Thurlow Nunn League division one last season - their first season at step six level - and should have done enough to secure qualification for next season's FA Cup and FA Vase.

For full reaction, see next week's Clacton Gazette.