CORSHAM Town chairman John Gingell is compiling a short-list of managers to replace Colin Bush, who resigned on Friday after four years in charge at the Southbank.

Gingell today announced that Bush's successor will be given a sizeable playing budget next season to keep Corsham in the Toolstation League Premier Division.

But the Southbank chief does not expect the new manager to repeat Bush's success of the last four years.

Gingell said: "Football clubs go in cycles and we know that we have reached the top of ours for the time being.

"A new manager will need time to rebuild the squad and we are not expecting him to match the last few seasons' achievements, especially with the likes of Truro City in our league."

Last season was Corsham's third in the top flight of the Western League and the committee is still focused on consolidating its status as a Premier League club.

Gingell said the club would not be rushed into making the jump to Southern League football without the necessary financial backing.

He said: "During Colin's reign as manager the club has kept its feet firmly on the ground and worked within a sustainable budget, enabling Colin to get the players he wanted but never threatening the club's existence.

"The next step will be taken on our own terms when we feel the club is ready for that step.

"A number of questions will have to be answered before making that decision, not least the financial implications and the approval of our landlords, the Methuen Estate. "

Gingell and his committee are aware of the improvements that need to be made at the Southbank in order to progress up the football pyramid.

But the new manager's first job will be to build a squad capable of staying afloat in the Toolstation Premier League.

"The committee is currently compiling a short list of managers they would like to see take the club forward, with an emphasis on working with existing players and tapping into the wealth of talent currently playing in our Reserve and Youth teams," said Gingell.

"We would like to thank Colin for his unprecedented achievements during his period in charge of the club.

"Colin's team surpassed the committee's expectations and they peaked with last season's historic Premier League title win. We wish him the best of luck in the future."

Anyone wishing to express an interest in the vacant manager's position should contact club secretary Richard Taylor on 07944 183 973.