Former player Jack Sibbons and ex-Clacton and Brightlingsea manger Tom Austin have been appointed as the new bosses at Brantham Athletic, but will not fully take up their roles until April.

Brantham announced that Austin has a previous family commitment, while Sibbons is under a contractual obligation with current club Little Oakley.

The duo will oversee the playing side from a distance while the interim management team of Steve Foley, Stef Mallardo, Duncan Lawson and Kirk Denim will remain in place.

Former Colchester United, Ipswich Town and Norwich City coach Steve Foley (Picture: Nub News library)

Brantham, who were knocked out of the League Challenge Cup with a 3-0 defeat at lower division Harlow Town last week, are home to league leaders Mildenhall on Saturday.

The club is safe from relegation as Norwich United folded earlier in the campaign.

Brantham made the move after parting company with Pip Boyland and Alex Drennan, with the club citing a poor run of four defeats as the reason, while a dispute over player wages, did not help the situation.

Sibbons finished his playing career at Little Oakley, after making more than 250 appearances for the Imps.

Austin stepped down as Clacton manager last September, after taking them to fourth in the Essex Senior League, their best ever finish in 50 years and reaching the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy final.

Tom Austin (Picture: Contributed)

The media have been told not to approach the new management pair for interviews, but said they would post their own version of an interview in the near future.

Brantham bosses said in a club statement: "We had a high degree of contact from very experienced people interested the managerial vacancy but due to the high level of criteria for the post, put forward by our chairman, experience of football at and above our level, management experience and previous knowledge of Brantham Athletic, only one duo stood out as the front runners and met all the principles and standards that we were seeking, so we were delighted when they, without reservation, accepted our offer. 

"We would, however, take this opportunity to convey our thanks to all those that expressed an interest in the post, Roger and Darren discussed them all at length on their own individual merits. We wish them all well on their future football journeys. 

"We sincerely hope that our supporters will get behind this exciting appointment for the club and this new chapter in our history."