ABINGDON United hope to name their new manager before the end of the week as part of a host of changes at the club.

United parted ways with Gary Ackling, assistant Andy Lyne and coach Rob Wytchard last month after escaping relegation from the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.

Their replacements will have to work with a reduced budget, but chairman Debbie Blackmore said the decision was in the club’s best interests.

She said: “It’s a very difficult one, because some manage on ability and others manage on money.

“The fact is we just haven’t got the money, so we’re going back to basics.

“We do have a budget, but only for travelling expenses.

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“We need to get ourselves financially stable again in order to progress.”

She added: “We also hope by the end of this week to have appointed a new first team manager.”

Approximately 25 supporters attended a meeting at Northcourt Road on Monday to hear Blackmore’s plans, centred on youth development and community engagement.

The club plan to appoint a head of football development, tasked with nurturing talent from United’s expanded youth system.

“The programme plans to recognise the talent, ability and desire of our young players in Abingdon and the surrounding areas,” said Blackmore.

“The football club is committed to developing and supporting these players to their maximum potential.

“We hope to see in a few years at least 50 per cent of our squad have come through this programme.

“We recognise our responsibility to the community to become a club that the town of Abingdon can be involved with and proud of.”