FORMER first team manager Paul Mann will lead the task force aimed at reviving Ledbury Town.

It was announced the troubled football club were closing earlier this month after being hit by rising costs.

The first team pulled out of the West Midlands League earlier in the season although the reserves and colts sides have continued to play competitive football at county level.

Mann has been appointed chairman of the new committee, which will run the two remaining teams until the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

Club officials hope to find a new home for a senior side in the long term either at New Street, their home for 81 years, or elsewhere.

Richard Thick, manager of the colts, will serve as vice-chairman, while Phil Preedy continues at the helm of the reserves while also serving as the player representative alongside the experienced Jamie Welch.

David Morris and Tom Hurrell will share player representative duties for the colts with Chris Stone elected as club secretary and treasurer and Chris Ponter remaining as press officer.

A club statement said: “The new committee’s primary objectives are to protect the interests of football in Ledbury and to organise the day-to-day running of the two teams.

“It will also endeavour to secure a permanent home for the football club in Ledbury for the long-term future, be it at New Street or in a suitable alternative local location.”

Mann emphasised the committee’s aim to focus entirely on football over the coming months, while Preedy urged players from both teams to continue to try their best up until the end of the season.

Both the reserves and colts have title aspirations in Herefordshire League Division One and Three respectively, while the former side remain in four cup competitions.

They have been allowed to continue playing home matches at New Street.

If both teams could top their divisions, Preedy added it would be a boost towards helping secure a permanent home ground.

An annual meeting will be held in the close-season when any interested parties can stand to be elected on to a further new committee.