ROOKIE boss Shane Sheridan has been rewarded for his exploits with New Milton Town by being appointed interim manager until the end of the season.

Sheridan had initially been given four games to prove himself but the Wessex One outfit moved swiftly to promote him after he had immediately revived their fortunes.

The former Bashley striker stepped in after Linnets had lost no fewer than 10 games on the trot – and promptly stopped the rot by presiding over a three-match unbeaten run.

Sheridan, who is being assisted by Joe Sullivan, a well-known figure in local non-league circles, plotted a 2-1 win over promotion-chasing Shaftesbury in his first game in management.

The 27-year-old then directed operations as they drew 2-2 at second-placed Baffins Milton Rovers before masterminding a 5-0 win over Hythe & Dibden five days ago – New Milton’s biggest victory for 16 months.

Sheridan, who started the season playing for Bashley before being struck down by a back injury, was understood to have been interviewed for the post when former boss Jordan Hiscock stepped up to become one of three co-chairmen at the club in November.

But Linnets instead opted for Luke Phillips, whose brief reign at Fawcett's Field proved an unmitigated disaster as they lost all eight games with him at the helm, conceding 38 goals and scoring just two.

Phillips and assistants Justin Windle and Andy Richardson parted company with the club early last month.

Sheridan, who will no doubt be hoping to land the job permanently, will take the reins when New Milton meet high-fliers Christchurch in the eagerly-awaited Bypass Derby at Hurn Bridge on Saturday (3pm kick-off).