LOCAL SOCCER: Graham Bickers is turning into a big hit at Ipswich Wanderers.His individual style of management has gone down well among the players and officials at the Jewson League Premier Division club.

By Elvin King

LOCAL SOCCER

GRAHAM Bickers is turning into a big hit at Ipswich Wanderers.

His individual style of management has gone down well among the players and officials at the Jewson League Premier Division club.

Club stalwart, and development officer, Roger Wosahlo said that Bickers has been like a breath of fresh air.

"He has removed the fear factor," said former Chelsea and Ipswich player Wosahlo. "Our players are more committed and fitter and it is no coincidence that we have enjoyed a good start to the season.

"There are no prima donnas at the club these days and it is fun."

Bickers had managed youth and reserve teams at Humber Doucy Lane, but this is his first taste of senior management.

"It was not a gamble," added Woshalo, who along with chairman Alan Haste has done so much to turn the Wanderers ground into one they can be proud of.

More hard-standing and cover has been added and the pitch surrounded by tin and netting.

"There were plans to bring in John Coupe, who runs the reserves, but this did not prove feasible," explained Wosahlo.

"To be honest we had no other applications. Graham made an impressive approach and he was certain he could do a good job."

Wanderers, who have a home league game with title challengers Wroxham on Saturday, had gone six games without defeat before losing 2-0 to a strong Soham side in the Jewson League Cup on Tuesday.

"There is no negativity at Wanderers any longer," added Wosahlo.

The Programme for Academic and Sporting Excellence (PASE) scheme continues at Humber Doucy Lane for the time being run by former Wanderers boss Colwyn Rowe.

There are discussions going on about its future, with Suffolk College also involved. Currently no players from the Academy are available to Bickers.

WANDERERS are running a successful Fantasy Football scheme. Last season the prize money was £200 and there are monthly prizes of £25 to the top manager.

For forms telephone organiser and Wanderers vice chairman Paul Crickmore on Ipswich 724011 (home) or 01394 676292 (work).