ADAM Fricker will take charge of Chard Town for the first time as official manager when the Robins entertain Wincanton Town today (12.30pm).

The 32-year-old, a regular in Chard’s back line this season, took temporary charge at Zembard Lane last season while former manager Nick Flory was looking after his seriously ill son.

But following Flory’s resignation last week because of personal commitments, Fricker been handed the reigns with Jason Behan as his assistant.

Fricker said: “I’m really looking forward to it. Obviously we know all the players and were in charge last season up until Christmas.

“With us sitting in the middle of the table I’m not looking to change too much. The main thing at the moment is to give the lads a bit of confidence.

“We’ve had a difficult start to the season with injuries and suspensions and I’m just hoping we can get a settled side together and build for next season.

“I don’t plan to play much myself from now on. I’ll take a step back and concentrate on managing, although I can always name myself as sub if we are struggling for numbers.”

Chard were due to play at home to Westbury United on Saturday but the match was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Fricker said: “The problem was surface water because it’s fairly firm underneath. And as long as the weather stays fine we’ve got a good chance of playing on Boxing Day.”

Forwards Benjani and Oscar Latis both have hamstring injuries which will rule them out of the Wincanton game while Jamie Underwood is suspended.

George Chlopecki has a thigh strain although Fricker is hopeful he will be fit in time.

Fricker’s first game in charge will not be an easy one as Wincanton are enjoying a good season following promotion from the Dorset Premier League.

They are nine points ahead of Chard in the table and have acquired two strikers from Gillingham Town including the prolific Lee Gale who topped the first division scoring charts two years ago.

Following today's clash Chard travel to Shepton Mallet on Saturday (3pm).

The new date for the Westbury game has been set by the Western league for Wednesday, February 5.