Football: NEW Ipswich Wanderers manager Graham Bickers is confident he can lift the Jewson League side to half-way in the Premier Division.The Humber Doucy Lane-based side finished third from bottom last term – just one place above relegation – and Bickers was appointed last week to replace Alan Dilloway.

By Elvin King

NEW Ipswich Wanderers manager Graham Bickers is confident he can lift the Jewson League side to half-way in the Premier Division.

The Humber Doucy Lane-based side finished third from bottom last term – just one place above relegation – and Bickers was appointed last week to replace Alan Dilloway.

"From what I saw of the side last season they under achieved," said Bickers. "I am happy taking them over, although I will be looking for one or two additions."

Bickers has managed both the Wanderers youth and reserve teams and led the former to wins over professional clubs Cambridge United and Peterborough in cup competitions.

He also managed a Sunday side, McNeil Sports, which contained senior Saturday players.

"I have no fear in my ability to handle senior players," added Bickers, who has been coaching for 30 years. "Players who have played for me enjoy my style of management.

"I concentrate both on and off the field and like to think that I can motivate players to give their best. I am not apprehensive about taking on the job at all, and I will be looking for a place half way up the table.

"The Wanderers PASE scheme is providing a stream of technically gifted players, and I intend to filter more and more into the first team as time goes on."

Bickers, who managed Wanderers reserves in partnership with Paul Crickmore, is going to bring in his own assistant. Last season he took a break from management, but spent most Saturdays watching Jewson League football as his son Jonathan was a member of the Felixstowe and Walton United squad.