Ian Lovegrove has been appointed assistant manager of Didcot Town following the departure of Andy Sinnott, writes Matthew Bruce.

The 64-year-old long-serving Sinnott stepped down last week, following former joint-managers Ian Concannon and Jamie Heapy in exiting the club.

But new boss Andy Ballard has wasted little time in naming a replacement, with former Wantage Town assistant Lovegrove being involved for the first time in this week’s games in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West, including their derby clash at home to North Leigh on Saturday.

“Ian and I go back years, back to when we were teammates at Slough Town,” said Ballard.

“Ian has a lot of experience and he’s played at a decent level.

“He’s got a lot of connections locally and he knows a lot of younger players in the area.

“He’s had recent experience with Wantage in the same role, so having him on board is going to be a big help.”

Midfielder Ballard, who played in Didcot’s heavy 4-1 loss at home to AFC Totton on Saturday, was left in sole charge of the side at the weekend.

And after experiencing his first taste of defeat as a player-manager, Ballard admitted his new responsibility is a heavy burden.

“Games seem to last much longer now,” he said.

“I’m putting my all into this, so it does hurt more when you lose.

“I was very disappointed with the result on Saturday.

“I didn’t think we defended as well as we should have and ultimately it cost us.

“The players are an honest bunch and they know deep down they need to do a little bit more.

“We’re creating plenty of chances, but we need to finish a few more of them and we have to be tighter at the back.”