SAM Collier has been handed the manager’s reins at Shrivenham at least until the end of the season.

The striker has been in temporary charge with assistant manager Mark Stevens at Barrington Park following the sudden and tragic death of Dave Turner.

Interim chairman Robb Forty said: “After all the sadness, it is nice to be able to announce something positive. “Having sat down with Sam, I was very impressed with his professionalism and ideas on how he would like to take the club forward and add to the good work Dave had started this season.

“Sam is a bi-product of Dave’s ‘school of football’, the perfect and respectful replacement, which both the club and Sam firmly believe in, and are completely committed to. “Sam is a much respected figure in local football, and we believe he will prove an excellent appointment and we are confident exciting times are on the way.

“This is not only what Dave would have wanted, but what he did want, as we had already spoken about plans for Sam to come on board in a managerial capacity in the near future.”

Collier added: “It is a big job, but it has been made slightly easier because of the legacy of Dave.

“I’m excited by this opportunity and I have been offered a lot support from the local footballing community.”

Collier will be supported by assistant manager Mark Stevens and coach Luke Sharps.