Dereham Town have unveiled their new first team manager with Matty Henman being voted into the Aldiss Park hot seat.Club Chairman Simon Barnes, who announced the appointment at a special meeting on Monday evening, said: “I feel strongly that we have the right man in charge to take Dereham Town forward.

Dereham Town have unveiled their new first team manager with Matty Henman being voted into the Aldiss Park hot seat.

Club Chairman Simon Barnes, who announced the appointment at a special meeting on Monday evening, said: “I feel strongly that we have the right man in charge to take Dereham Town forward. He holds the same values that we hold at our club, having played here for many years.

“Having been at a club of King's Lynn stature, I am sure he will have learnt a great deal, which can only help him in his position here at Dereham.

“I personally thank Adam Gusterson, Jason Fuller and the players for their sterling efforts and loyalty during which time there has been a marked improvement, not only in the dressing room, but around the club in general.

“I am sure Matty knows there is still much work to be done, but with 100 per cent support from the committee and the players, we can look forward to an enjoyable end of season and then onto the 2008/09 season. I wish him the very best of luck.”

In a distinguished playing career the popular 32-year-old, who was a product of the club's youth set up, went on to make over 300 appearances for the Magpies.

He was part of Dave Seaton's side that clinched the Anglian Combination title in 1998 and took the club forward in to the Eastern Counties League. He then helped the club gain promotion in to the Premier Division in 2001.

Henman has been heavily involved in the club's youth set up and currently coaches the under-12 side.

The UEFA B qualified coach has for the past two and a half seasons been managing Ridgeon's League side King's Lynn Reserves.

His appointment continues a strong Henman family connection with the club which has spanned many years. The new manager is delighted to be taking charge at Aldiss Park. He said: “I'm very pleased and proud to be given the chance to manage my home town club. It has always been an ambition of mine, having played here for many years. The three years' experience that I gained at King's Lynn will hold me in good stead.

“I would personally like to thank King's Lynn for giving me the chance there, especially Keith Rudd. This is the only job that I would have left there for. I wish them all the best for the future.

“I join Dereham in a very strong position. There are some very talented players at the club who I look forward to working with, and Aldiss Park is a superb set up.”

Henman will take charge for the first time at Dereham's next match which is at Walsham-le-Willows on Easter Monday.