O'Neill takes over Shortwood reins (From Stroud News and Journal)

O'Neill takes over Shortwood reins

THE lure of the FA cup proved to be the overriding factor for new Shortwood United boss Jake O'Neill who has taken the reins at Hellenic Premier Division club following John Evans departure to Slimbridge last week.

O'Neill who resigned from County League Wotton Rovers was among the front runners linked last week with the post that included Geoff Medcroft, Steve Doughty, Paul Hunt and Gary Marshall.

"Jake was always our number one target and the only person we approached," revealed Shortwood spokesmen Hugh Robinson.

"He was here with John Evans as an assistant before going to Wotton and he has a good knowledge of the local scene and will be an asset to the club."

Robinson revealed that although both Hunt and Marshall were not approached he didn't rule out the possibility of both being involved with the club.

"They would be useful additions to the club but that would be up to Jake." The SNJ contacted O'Neill while he was holidaying in Spain on Friday. However, O'Neill, admitted the decision to leave Wotton had been heart-wrenching.

"I had no reason to leave Wotton because everyone has been fantastic. I gained promotion in my first season and in my second season we finished third but the decision was purely a football one.

" I looked at the bigger picture and to manage a side that plays in the FA cup and Vase made my mind up.

"I couldn't turn it down and the other names mentioned in the running have certainly given me a lift for me to be offered the job," he said.

O'Neill departs Wotton with the full blessing of the Synwell side after reviving their fortunes after replacing former Liverpool defender Nicky Tanner at the helm.

Wotton secretary Martyn Excell said: "Jake has been a great manager for us and we wish him well in his new challenge and hope he brings as much success to Shortwood as he has to us in his two seasons."

O'Neill is well aware that following Evans will be a tough act but he is relishing the challenge.

"John has offered me his best and I hope to carry on the foundations that he has put in at the club. I'm different to John and will have a few different ideas."

O'Neill is hopeful that most of last season's playing squad will remain. His first job will be to persuade top scorer Craig Cole to remain. Cole is currently being courted by both Slimbridge and Wootton Bassett.

However, ONeill hinted that he will bring in a few players to freshen the squad up. "I will make a few changes. I'm looking forward to it and it will be a big challenge."