Gary Elkins has his eye on a permanent return to the Didcot Town hot-seat after taking the job on an interim basis since the departure of manager Andy Wallbridge, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

Elkins took charge of Saturday’s 5-2 defeat to Wimborne Town in Calor League Division 1 South & West alongside coach Paul Davis, who has also expressed interest in the job.

The pair will be in charge for tonight’s visit of fellow strugglers Evesham United.

Elkins had previously left the job due to work commitments in May, but is keen to return and help guide the Railwaymen away from the relegation zone.

“It’s something I would like to do,” he said. “I never wanted to leave in the first place, but due to work I wasn’t able to commit all of my time to the job.

“I left for the right reasons, to give the club a chance to find someone who could give it all of their time, but it hasn’t worked out.

“I’ve been desperate to get back into football because I love the game and it’s been my life.”

But chairman John Bailey said that no decision has yet been made on the appointment.

He said: “We’re having a committee meeting later this week and then we’ll decide which way we’re going to go.”

Didcot are bottom with only one win this season, but face a similarly out-of-form Evesham side, and Elkins believes it is a good opportunity to get some points on the board.

“They’re only two points ahead of us, so if we win we’ll go above them, which gives us a great incentive and would be a real boost to show that we’re moving in the right direction,” he said.

Didcot are without the injured Lance Williams and Jamie Heapy, while there are significant doubts over influential duo Joel Meade and Sam Elkins after both defenders limped off in Saturday’s defeat.

Didcot Tn: from Beesley, Janes, S Parish, Carnell, Ferreira, McKirnan, Joyce, J Parish, Haysham, Baines, Longford, Mills, Morris, Blenford.

Banbury United travel to Division 1 Central side Rugby Town in the Red Insure Cup first round.

The tie was rearranged from last week due to the home side’s FA Cup third qualifying round replay against Worcester City.