TOOLSTATION PREMIER Richard Fey has put the emphasis on youth after being handed the managerial reins at Bitton.

Fey has returned to the club for whom he served for five years as a goalkeeper following Andy Black's departure last week.

The 31-year-old, who has been given a two-year contract, has just left Cadbury Heath, having only been installed as their manager at Christmas.

Fey is set to take charge of his first game on Saturday, when Dawlish Town visit the Recreation Ground.

He said: "For one of the most respected chairmen in local football (John Langdon) to put so much faith in me is very exciting.

"We have a three-year plan to put emphasis on youth development and, hopefully, gain promotion to the Southern League.

"I want the old-time Bitton spirit back and that will mean bringing through more young players; it's the way the game has to go."

Langdon said: "Richard will be given a playing budget, albeit a more controlled one, although it's a myth that we have ever had big budgets here.

"He knows the current football scene and that is why we feel a young man like him is better placed to identify what's needed than a more senior manager might."

Black left the defending Toolstation Premier Division champions following a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of bottom side Corsham Town on February 27 and has since been handed Fey's old job at Cadbury Heath.

Goalkeeper John Rendell and assistant boss John Lester took charge of the side for the return date with Corsham at Southbank on Saturday but could not stop their side from suffering a fourth straight defeat, the hosts running out 3-1 winners to seal their first double of the campaign.

Steve Jones gave Bitton an interval lead after Booker Woodford fired against the bar for the home side.

George Nash's fine strike levelled matters four minutes after the break and Woodford quickly put the hosts in front when he headed home a Liam Fullam free-kick.

Some determined Corsham defending prevented an equaliser and they wrapped up the points three minutes from time through Dan Baker.

Corsham remain stranded at the foot of the table and could not close the gap on the rest on Tuesday evening when they made the tough trip to pacesetters Bideford and were beaten 2-0.

They are next in action at Brislington on Tuesday night.

In between their two victories over Bitton, Corsham were beaten 1-0 at home by Larkhall Athletic last Wednesday night. Lee Collier's 30-yard screamer settled the derby clash.

Larks entertained leaders Bideford without a recognised striker last Saturday and were beaten 3-1 despite an excellent performance.

They took the lead when the impressive Jonny Davoile was brought down in the visitors box and Ross Beazer scored from the spot.

Headers from first Ellis Blake and then Kevin Squire gave Bideford a half-time lead, however.

Substitute keeper Owen Dunn, on for the injured Adam Sheppard, saved a penalty but Larks' hopes were ended by Squire's second goal of the game 15 minutes from time.

Ilfracombe visited Plain Ham in the second round of the Les Phillips Cup last night, while Larks host Hallen in the league on Saturday.

Larks keeper Lee Jones has been invited to attend an England Futsal squad training camp ahead of a four nation tournament involving Finland, Malta and Turkey.