Two Ians look to improve fortunes

Former Arsenal and Luton striker Ian Allinson is back in the hotseat at Stotfold. Allinson enjoyed a successful time at Roker Park from 1992-8, leading the Rokermen to runners-up in the UCL Premier Division one season as well as fourth place in another ca

Former Arsenal and Luton striker Ian Allinson is back in the hotseat at Stotfold.

Allinson enjoyed a successful time at Roker Park from 1992-8, leading the Rokermen to runners-up in the UCL Premier Division one season as well as fourth place in another campaign.

Stotfold chairman Phil Pateman said: "Ian was one of the most successful managers in the club's history.

"He looks to bring youngsters through but he also has a number of contacts with local players."

Allinson will be assisted by Ian Donnelly who most recently was involved with Potton United.

Pateman had spoken to Allinson at the end of last season when he was still director of football at Boreham Wood alongside Steve Cook.

Allinson left his post earlier in the season and discussions have intensified in recent weeks.

He becomes the club's third manager of the season after Glen Clark quit before the opening day of the season and Mark Teeling departed by mutual consent.

Pateman continued: "I wanted to give Mark time but we can't afford to go down for a variety of reasons.

"We had lost eight out of nine and I couldn't see us getting out of trouble the way things were.

"We need to steady the ship and something had to be done. We're not thinking about going down."

Teeling's final game in charge was last Tuesday's double figure reverse at Deeping Rangers.

The Rokermen had taken only 11 points from his 17 league games in charge and collected just four wins in 20 league and cup fixtures in total.

Pateman added: "I'd like to thank Mark for all his efforts, especially with the youngsters. He understood the situation and we've parted on good terms."

Allinson is away over Christmas and Donnelly and Pateman will take charge for Saturday's visit of Boston and then Potton on Boxing Day.

Several new signings are expected to feature in the coming weeks.

It could signal exciting times for the club with their move to a new ground in the town likely to take place for the 2008-9 season.

Allinson's second spell kicked off with a 1-0 defeat on Saturday as Yaxley avenged an earlier home defeat.

Former Barton man Danny Kennoy was a new addition for the game.

Mark Paul's 15th goal of the season seven minutes into the second period proved enough to give Yaxley the points.

Yaxley substitute Richard Challinor could have made the win more emphatic but could only strike the upright after rounding home custodian Steve Graham.

Rokermen: Graham, Taylor, Philbin, Kennoy, Geraghty, Drury, Nichol, Lee (Furness), Thorne, Hull (R Mitchell), Donnelly (Ettienne).