....confirmed as the new permanent head coach of Pitching In Southern League Division One South contenders, AFC Totton.

The former Moneyfields and Horndean player was thrown in at the deep end in late October, going up against his former mentors in a Buildbase FA Trophy qualifier in his very first game in charge as the Stags defeated the Magpies with a rousing 2-0 victory.

After overcoming Frome Town via a penalty shoot-out in mid-November, Sackman’s charges made club history this past weekend by booking their place in the Third Round of the competition for the first time with a stunning 5-0 away win at Vanarama National League South outfit Concord Rangers, from two levels higher in the English Football Pyramid.

Although the team’s league form has stuttered a little throughout November, the Board of Directors at Snows Stadium have shown their faith in Sackman, who is also involved in Portsmouth University’s football programme, by giving him the hot seat on a permanent basis as Totton look to continue their bid for promotion to the Southern Premier Division South.

The decision also includes confirmation of Liam Robinson as the permanent first-team coach, while Scott Miller and Andrew Hanley continue in their roles as goalkeeping coach and sports injury therapist, respectively, together with club physio Dave Penny and long-term kit manager, Adam Laurenson.

Chairman Stephen Snow told his club`s website: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to confirm Dan Sackman and his team in their permanent roles. They stepped up during a difficult time for the club and have done an excellent job to quickly steady the ship. We’ve already enjoyed some memorable performances under their leadership, which shows how well the players have responded and we’re looking forward to what we hope is going to be a very successful period for this great football club”.