Griffin installed as new manager

The 37-year-old was named on Wednesday as the successor to Brian Hughes and will take charge for the first time on Saturday when the Centurions host Hitchin Town in the EVO-STIK League Southern's top flight.

The 37-year-old quickly became a key player at the Corinium Stadium after arriving last summer and Circencester Town chairman Steve Abbley has set the former Chippenham Town, Forest Green Rovers, Gloucester City, Salisbury City, Swindon Town, Woking and Wycombe Wanderers forward just one target, to keep the club up.

Griffin was installed after caretaker boss Jody Bevan signed off with a 1-0 win at Basingstoke Town on Tuesday night and Abbley has told the club's fans he's been impressed by his new manager's attitude to the tough challenge.

In a statement on the club's website, he said: "I interviewed Charlie for the second time this week and I was very impressed with his enthusiasm and his real desire to do the job. He has a tremendous knowledge of local football, he has coaching badges, and he has the respect of everyone I have talked to."

"We are going to take it step by step and I have just asked Charlie to keep us in this league," said Abbley. "If he does then we talk about a two-year deal."

Abbley has also authorised a spike in the playing budget until Christmas and has told Griffin to use some of the funds for a new striker so he can hang up his boots and concentrate on managing the second from bottom club.

He added: "Being the manager is a hard enough job without playing too. I've told Charlie to retire – and bring in a new centre forward!"

Image courtesy of www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk

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