Elkins's new role has him buzzing (From Oxford Mail)

Elkins's new role has him buzzing

10:30am Friday 21st September 2012 in Headlines

Gary Elkins says taking over as boss of Didcot Town has got him “buzzing” ahead of tonight’s FA Cup second qualifying round home clash with Clevedon Town.

The former Fulham and Wimbledon defender, who replaced Dave Mudge on a permanent basis last Saturday, says taking over at Didcot had rekindled his enthusiasm.

“I am excited by it (the challenge) and excited we are playing in the FA Cup,” said Elkins.

“I have already noticed a difference since taking over – I’ve been on the phone all week!

“Having played professional football for 18 years, I did miss it when I finished playing.

“But being given the opportunity to get involved in the game again has got me buzzing.

“I’m really enjoying it here, the people are great.”

Elkins says he was delighted with Tuesday’s 3-2 FA Trophy replay win of Paulton Rovers where they started with ten men after keeper Marcus Belloli got stuck in traffic .

He added: “We played very well. The boys are on a bit of a high having had two wins and two draws.”

Gareth Thomas is set to play with a light plastercast after breaking a hand at Paulton.

Didcot Tn: from Belloli, Heapy, Stanley, Elkins, Peirson, Henderson, Osborne-Rick-etts, L Williams, Clark, Bowles, M Williams, Tappin, Haysham, Thomas.

lAbingdon United welcome back Damian Crudup from a ban for the visit of Mangotsfield in Evo-Stik Division 1 South & West tomorrow.

Leon Bird and Stuart Young could return, though Ben Whitehead (ankle) is out.

Abingdon Utd: from Durrant, Baker, Crudup, Carnell, Halliday, Biddle, Romeo, Tucker, Self, Evans, Young, Riccio, Bird, Nowell, Butler, Christodolou.