Jon Blencowe has been confirmed as the new player-manager of Abingdon Town, writes Russell Smith.

The 29-year-old midfielder has been in charge on a caretaker basis since Bob Rayner quit at the end of September.

During that time, Town have won four out of their five games in Ryman League Division 3.

Blencowe, who has had previous management experience as the joint boss at Brackley Town, said: "I have been pleased how it has been going and I just want it to continue."

Chairman Phil Evans said: "He has got the confidence of the players and I am sure he has got the respect of the players as well. We would have been very sad if he had not taken it."

"This season as far as we are concerned is one of consolidation and making sure we finish up in a respectable position.

Meanwhile, Blencowe has been busy before Town's visit to Wingate & Finchley tomorrow, signing Mark Stevens on a month's loan from Oxford City and goalkeeper Dave Warner, who was with Brackley earlier this season.

They come into the side in place of Martin Shepherd, who starts a five-match ban, and the unavailable Jason McLaughlin.

**Abingdon Tn (v Wingate & Finchley, away): from Warner, Beckett, Stevens, Burden, Watts, Thomas, Blencowe, Charles, Twine, Paterson, Beauchamp, Gardner, Morgan, Gill.