Hometown boy Mansell is ‘buzzing’

TAKING on the Gloucester City manager’s job was a no-brainer for hometown boy Lee Mansell, who says the role is a massive opportunity for him.

Mansell, 39, has named former Bristol Rovers Academy coach Dafydd Williams as his assistant after the pair worked together for five years at the Pirates, and will take charge of his first game in the FA Cup third qualifying round trip to Folkestone Invicta today.

Gloucester-born Mansell had a long and successful professional career with Luton, Oxford, Torquay and Rovers, while his younger brother Richard played for Gloucester in the 2005/06 season before spells at Bishop’s Cleeve, Cirencester and Evesham.

Mansell, pictured, told the club website: “I am local, first off, being a Gloucester boy, and I was ready to go into a job.

“It was a no-brainer to take it I am buzzing. I am a proud Gloucestrian and I love the city.

“The Folkestone game will be a tricky tie – an away tie at a side in a lower league than us. They will be bang up for it, and our players have to match that.”

Elsewhere in the FA Cup third qualifying round draw, Yate host Redhill, who sit 12th in Combined Counties Premier Division South.

The Surrey-based visitors play at Step Five, two divisions beneath the Bluebells.

It is nine years since Yate, for the first time in their history, featured in the first round proper – a 3-0 defeat at Cheltenham.

Yate commercial manager Mark Thorne said: “Without undermining our opposition, this is a great opportunity for us to progress.

“I’m sure that there will be no complacency at our end as it looks like Redhill are coming not to just enjoy the occasion, but to take the game to us.”

Meanwhile, Bath City and Frome clash in a Somerset derby, which means at least one club from the West region will join Yeovil in the draw for the fourth qualifying round.

Chippenham are favourites to progress from their tie, although the National League South side are unlikely to make it through without a battle against Hastings, from the Isthmian League.

Hereford make the trip to Surrey to face Merstham, while Weston-super-Mare head in a similar direction to tackle Dorking Wanderers.

Cirencester, meanwhile, make the relatively short journey to Hungerford for their tie.