By ADAM LAZZARI STEVE APPLEBY wants to become the next manager of Wisbech Town Football Club. Appleby, 42, a former Fenmen captain and player-assistant manager is currently managing Skegness Town, who are fourth top of the Sills and Betteridge Lincolnshir

By ADAM LAZZARI

STEVE APPLEBY wants to become the next manager of Wisbech Town Football Club.

Appleby, 42, a former Fenmen captain and player-assistant manager is currently managing Skegness Town, who are fourth top of the Sills and Betteridge Lincolnshire League.

He said: "I had a great time at Wisbech and I have a great feeling for the club.

"I am well aware of the situation there, but it's early days and I am in charge of another club. But if the question is put to me, then yes I am interested in the job."

Appleby, a former Kettering and Boston player, has had three spells with Wisbech Town, most recently as player-assistant manager under Roy McManus the season before last.

After leaving Wisbech he had a short spell managing Bourne Town and he has managed Skegness for the last two seasons.

McManus said: "Steve is a great lad and he's very popular with the players. I don't think many players will leave Wisbech if Steve's in charge and it could pave the way for myself and Jackie Gallagher to get involved.

"Steve was invaluable for me. He was like a manager on the pitch. He made training a lot of fun for the lads but he didn't take any nonsense and could be hard when he needed to be.

"If Dick Creasey doesn't take the job then I can't think of anyone better to lead Wisbech into their new stadium."

Meanwhile, caretaker manager Creasey said he has had no contact with midfielder Stuart King, who has gone AWOL.

Creasey said he has left several messages for King, last season's player of the year, and had no reply.

It is believed the 29-year-old is hoping to sign for Wisbech's Ridgeons Premier Division rivals Dereham Town, a move the Fenmen could scupper.

Dereham put in a seven day approach for King in October, which the player turned down.

FA rules forbid a club from making a second seven day approach in the same season unless they are given permission by the other club.

Creasey said: "It's a decision for the Wisbech board to make, and I'm staying out of it.

"For some reason Stuart doesn't want to speak to me. I want players who are committed to Wisbech and no player is bigger than the club.

"I don't know the lad and I have nothing against him. If he wants to talk about things that's fine. I'd be prepared to have a discussion about having him back in my squad.