New Bedford Town Football Management Committee chairman Dave Thomas says that the club have made the right decision in keeping Stuart Bimson as Eagles manager.

Bimson's position had looked under threat following relegation from the BGB Southern League Premier Division – the club's second successive demotion.

But, in what was the FMC's first major decision, he has been given a stay of execution, and handed the task of taking the club straight back up.

It has also been confirmed that assistant boss Lee Howarth will remain at the New Eyrie next season.

And Thomas, who was elected unopposed to chair the FMC at the meeting on Sunday evening, said the six-person committee had voted unanimously in favour of retaining the pair and believes that consistency is the key to a successful football club.

He said: "It's not been an easy time for anybody associated with the club.

"FMC have given a huge amount of consideration to the circumstances that have brought about the situation we now face and believe Stuart Bimson and Lee Howarth should continue.

"Stuart is a very talented coach and we want him to continue at the club. Both he and Lee are in their first managerial jobs and we intend giving them as much support as possible so they can fulfil their obvious potential.

"The reality is that there just aren't coaches with their ability around at this level, nor coaches that are so passionate about Bedford Town."

But success on the field next season is a must, says Thomas, who added that another failure will not be acceptable and also revealed there are set to be a number of changes before the start of next season.

He said: "Everybody wants change after a relegation and changes will be made. But we want to create consistency too. The board supported Stuart staying on. Several senior players also wanted it known that they support him totally.

"Nobody, though, is under any illusions – a promotion place is a must. The situation will be reviewed at regular intervals. Preparations for next season are already under way."