FC CLACTON winger Jake Plane believes the club are in the best possible hands thanks to managerial duo Tom Austin and Adrian Webster.

The pair took over for the final weeks of the season and are expected to be in charge again next term.

Manager Austin and vastly-experienced assistant Webster helped the team finish 18th in the Thurlow Nunn League after ending their campaign with a 2-0 defeat at home to Stanway Rovers on Monday.

Plane believes progress has been made - and has no doubt there is plenty to build on in 2018/19.

“Tommy’s done really well since coming in,” he told the Gazette.

“I’ve known him seven or eight years and he’s such a good man-manager.

“I’m so pleased Ade’s here, too, because he’s someone I’ve known since I was eight and went to Colchester United’s Centre of Excellence.

“He’s been there and done everything in the game.

“As soon as he starts talking, you can hear a pin drop in the dressing room.

“Everyone respects him and listens to everything he says, because he speaks so much sense.

“It’s working already.

“Everyone wants to play for Tom and Ade.

“We’re starting to take things on board and they’ve made a big difference.

“Personally, I feel they’ve improved me as a player already.

“I know what I’ve got to keep doing and what I need to do better.

“I’ve just got to stick at it.”

Clacton finished their season with three straight home games.

Prior to Monday’s derby against Stanway, they lost 1-0 at home to Histon last Wednesday before a 2-1 victory against Haverhill Borough on Saturday.

Plane and Billy Wales scored their goals in the latter.

Now they take a well-earned break before resuming for pre-season training in the summer.

“I’m ready for a break, to cool down and recharge batteries,” added Plane.

“It’s been a long, hard season and it’s important to have a rest, to make sure we come back hungry and enthusiastic next season.”