By ADAM LAZZARI WISBECH Town s new player manager Gary Setchell is making an audacious attempt to bring Soham trio Billy Smith, Stuart Ablett and Darren Jimson back to the Fenmen. Striker Smith and midfielder Ablett joined the Greens from Wisbech earlier

By ADAM LAZZARI

WISBECH Town's new player manager Gary Setchell is making an audacious attempt to bring Soham trio Billy Smith, Stuart Ablett and Darren Jimson back to the Fenmen.

Striker Smith and midfielder Ablett joined the Greens from Wisbech earlier this season to play at a higher level in the BGB Southern League Division One (Midlands) while striker Jimson joined Soham from Wisbech at the beginning of the 2007 season.

Setchell, who was appointed on Monday night after Steve Taylor resigned the previous day, said: "I know that Soham have a big squad and players aren't happy when they are not playing.

"I'll be in touch with Billy, Stuart and Darren to see if I can sort something out, even for a couple of months, to boost the squad.

"I've spoken to about 20 players in the last three days but it's difficult with players being settled where they are.

"But I'm not going to just sign players for the sake of it. I want quality players who can improve the squad. When we get our injured guys back I think we'll be where we need to be.

"My main priority for this season is to keep Wisbech in the Premier Division and I hope to take the club to the new stadium and build from there.

"I've wanted to be a manger from my mid-20s so I'm delighted to have this opportunity."

Setchell looks to have his work cut out after his side were outclassed in a 3-1 Ridgeons Premier Division defeat to Mildenhall at Recreation Way on Tuesday night.

If it hadn't been for the heroics of Wisbech goalkeeper Chris Horton Mildenhall could have scored six or seven.

The Fenmen got off to a dream start when Richard Harnwell's looping header following a corner gave them the lead in the first minute.

But a brace from former Wisbech striker Robbie Harris put the home side 2-1 up by half-time.

Mildenhall dominated the second half but could only add one more goal - a Tom Youngs header at the back post after Stephen Spriggs' cross from the right.

The Wisbech fans were given some light relief in the closing minutes when referee Brian O'Sullivan received treatment after being thumped in the face with the ball at point black range.

Setchell said: "Mildenhall are a quality side who will be challenging for the title. I can take some positives away from the game, especially the performances of youngsters Lewis Thompson and Sam Cubberley."

Setchell is expecting captain Paul Cousins to be back from injury for tomorrow's league match at Kirkley and Pakefield.

As a player Setchell, 33, has Football League experience with Rushden & Diamonds, helping them reach the 2002 Division Three play-off final at the Millennium Stadium.

He played in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley for Kettering Town and has also played for Swaffham Town, King's Lynn, Tamworth and Fakenham.

The defender joined Wisbech as player/assistant manager at the beginning of the season and has spent the previous two seasons as assistant manager of Swaffham Town.

He is the Fenmen's third manager of 2008 and the 11th this decade.

He is the first true player/manager since Pat Clarke in 2001.