IAIN O’Connell says he is hoping to inspire a Great Wakering Rovers revival in a similar vein as in 2005 after replacing Keith Wilson as manager.

The 46-year-old was appointed manager on Monday evening, after the board decided to relieve Wilson of his duties after a run which saw Wakering pick up 10 points from a possible 57 and sink to the bottom of the Ryman North.

O’Connell, who was manager at the club between 2005 and 2010, helped the team to a good run in the division in that spell and won four of his last seven games in 2005 to inspire their survival.

And he says he knows he needs a similar or better return in Rovers’ final 10 games, with the team 12 points from safety.

And he says nothing less than victory will do against Soham Town Rangers tomorrow.

“It is a massive game and the boys are all up for it," he said. "It will be a good game I am sure and if we can get three points then that will be huge for confidence.

“I had a similar task when I was player/manager here in my first season.

“We were in the Ryman North and we had 11 games to stay up and stayed up on the last day when Danny Scopes scored a header at Chatham and that goal is still talked about now.

“But this all makes me feel excited. We have to win seven or so of these games to stay up and it will be hard of course.

“We turned it around in the past and I am hoping with the boys we have, having watched them train, we will put up a very good fight this time too.

“There is quality and experience in this squad and I hope we can do it.”

Soham Town Rangers are just one place above the drop zone ahead of kick-off and are also in desperate need of the points.

The departed Wilson, while angry at the manner of his exit, praised O’Connell - who managed him at Wakering in the past.

And O’Connell said he was sad to see him go but was happy to step in when the club’s committee got in touch.

“He was the captain under me and was a great player but results haven’t gone his way and these things happen in football,” he said.

“I now have to focus on helping the team in the best way possible in these last 10 games.”