FC CLACTON boss Tom Austin may be in a position to confirm his new assistant manager today.

A well-known name on the north Essex football circuit could be joining and might even be in the dugout for Saturday’s Thurlow Nunn League premier division trip to Walsham-le-Willows.

Austin has agreed to take over until the end of the season, following the recent departure of manager Kieron Shelley and assistant Mike Wallace.

However, he has made no secret of his desire to get some help on board by appointing a right-hand man.

“I may be close to appointing an assistant manager,” Austin told the Gazette.

“Nothing is certain yet.

“We’ve had a conversation and were due to speak again last night.

“I don’t know what the outcome will be but the person in question is a big figure round here, experienced and well-connected.

“The players will respect him.

“I feel I need some help.

“I’ve been looking to get someone else in and, if it comes off, it would be great for the club.”

Clacton have endured a frustrating spell with their last two matches postponed because of waterlogged pitches.

They had been looking forward to two Essex derbies at the Rush Green Bowl, against Coggeshall Town on Friday and Stanway Rovers on Tuesday.

However, both were called off due to the soggy conditions.

The Coggeshall match has now been rearranged for Tuesday, March 27.

The Clacton players have also been unable to train, although they are due to have an indoor session at Clacton Coastal Academy tonight.

“It’s been a difficult week,” said Austin.

“To lose both of our home games to the weather was frustrating to say the least - from a football perspective but also financially, because we would have hoped for decent crowds.

“To say we’re desperate to play this weekend is an understatement and it’s an important game, as Walsham are level on points with us and one place above.”

Kevin Coyle is still suspended and will miss the trip to Summer Road.

Clacton are also looking forward to a Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup semi-final at Wivenhoe Town next Wednesday.

The winners will play Brightlingsea Regent, who crushed Springfield 9-4 on Tuesday.

“I’ve told the players that our season is far from over,” said Austin.

“It doesn’t matter what the competition is - they have the chance to play in a cup final and, potentially, win some silverware.

“Next week’s semi-final is certainly winnable but it depends who wants it more on the night.”

Former Dragons striker Owen Bryan is set to train with Clacton in the next week or so, having previously been a regular scorer for Essex and Suffolk Border League side Tollesbury.