New manager Andy Pryce has admitted restoring stability to Market Drayton Town is his No 1 priority after yet another turbulent 72 hours at the Greenfields club.

Pryce has become the club’s fourth permanent manager inside two months after replacing Matt Burton, who stepped down after just two weeks in the job.

The upheaval hasn’t ended there with chairman Alex Mutch also resigning from his position.

Pryce, just 29, has now been given a golden opportunity to begin his managerial career at UniBond level after taking the post until the end of the season at least.

And he is looking forward to the challenge, having made a club record 294 starts as a goalkeeper.

“It’s a massive honour to be offered it and hopefully the lads can stick together because we are good enough to push on at this level as a group of players,” said Pryce.

“We have made massive strides over the last four years and the UniBond League has come around quickly – probably too quickly from an off-the-pitch point of view.

“It has not been ideal over the last two months but stability is everything to us now.”

With all the turmoil, it is easy to forget Drayton have a game tomorrow – and a big one of that.

The visit of Kidsgrove Athletic represents a sixth-versus-second clash, with Drayton having the chance to move level on points with their opponents with two games in hand.

“It could have been an easier start but this is the type of game we got to the UniBond League for,” added Pryce. “It’s a great challenge.”

There is some good news selection wise for Drayton with key figures Stuart Ellis and Tom Ward back in contention from long-term injury.

Jamie Haynes is a doubt but full backs David Andrewartha and Ash Burd are available for the first time after signing from Bridgnorth.

Pryce has also revealed he has put seven days notice in for Rushall Olympic utility man Ben Jeavons, who has also had a spell at Shifnal.

By JAMES GARRISON