GARETH HORNER has returned to Amesbury as manager along with Carlo Downie a year after leaving the club.

Horner who took charge of the club as head coach in December 2012, following playing for the club in 1998, rejoins the club he lead to the Sydenhams Wessex Premier just a season ago.

This appointment is immediate following the conclusion of Adam Pearson’s tenure as interim manager which ended on the final day of the season, in which the club thanked him for his services, which helped the Blues stay in the Wessex Premier.

As well as the return of Horner, Downie also has history with the club and has helped develop some of the local players who are now regulars in the first team.

Horner said following his appointment: “Stepping down from the club a year ago was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in football, though it was necessary that I focused on other areas of my life.

“However, having been in a position to return to management, something in all honesty I missed intensely, it’s fantastic to be able to come back and take the reins at Amesbury Town.

“The forthcoming year will be a critical season for the club and we will be looking to establish a competitive squad to continue our development in the Wessex Premier League.”

With Downie adding: “ The club has a lot of potential and I am confident that our combined experience and record of success will make a positive impact on the pitch.”

The pair will take charge of the teams first game against Devizes Town on Saturday, July 8 in a friendly followed by Sherborne Town on July 15, Oxford City on July and Weymouth on July 29.