New Walsham-le-Willows manager Trevor Collins confident of Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division survival

Walsham-le-Willows’ run-in may not be kind, but new boss Trevor Collins is confident that the squad he has inherited is more than capable of preserving the club’s Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division status.

Last Friday’s harrowing 6-0 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Gorleston proved to be the end of the road for Fergus O’Callaghan, who was relieved of his duties after eight straight losses in 2020.

It has left Collins, who will be assisted by former Walsham chief Trevor Newman, to pick up a side just four points above the one relegation place.

And what’s more, of the village side’s 10 remaining league fixtures, six are against teams that currently occupy a position within the top five.

However, Collins has backed his men to get the job done during what he is viewing as ‘10 cup finals’.

“Those sides that have been going well for much of the season, some times things slip with a defeat or two,” said the new manager, whose son Matt plays in midfield for Walsham.

“We have got 10 cup finals and we will be rolling our sleeves up for every single one of those – maybe the same cannot be said for everyone we are playing against.

“During the early part of the season, watching on from the sidelines, I felt this squad was a top eight side.

“Unfortunately, during the last few weeks, the confidence is gone and things have been a bit demoralised, but I know there is enough quality, grit and determination to get over the line. We have to fight for every point and that is what we will do.”

Tonight, Walsham will welcome Buildbase FA Vase quarter-finalists Wroxham to the Morrish Sports Ground (7.45pm).

The Yachtsmen are fifth, but they go into the game on a run of six games without a win in all competitions,

“Wroxham will obviously be tough but they are coming to us and as players, these are the type of games you want to play in,” added Collins.