IN early November, Ledbury FC announced the re-appointment of Ian Merrick as their manager, following the decision for Matt Tunley to step down from the role.
Their official statement read: "We would like to thank Matt for all his efforts since joining the club in the summer. Matt is a fantastic person and an excellent coach, and we're sorry to see him depart.
"Matt leaves Ledbury with our very best wishes and will always be welcome at New Street."
Merrick then re-joined the side, following on from his period as boss from 2021 through to the end of the 2023/24 season.
It took no more than four days for Merrick to go from re-signing, to taking to the dugout for his first game back, as the side lost 5-1 to New Dales Vale in a HFA Charity Bowl game.
Speaking after the game, Merrick said: "It is obviously a different challenge. In previous years we were always there or thereabouts.
"It will take time because taking over a team halfway through a season is never easy.
"Results will come eventually, we have got some really good young players coming through. But you don’t want a full team of only under 18s, because it is a tough environment with a lot of experienced players in that Herefordshire League. We need a little bit of experience to guide the younger players in the right direction."
Next up, came Merrick's first league game as boss, as the side faced off with Bromyard Town.
A 3-2 loss in the last minute, meant a heart-wrenching defeat for Ledbury, but a much improved performance from where they were.
"A massive improvement," said Merrick. "We have got a few more older, experienced bodies that have come back to the club since I have taken over which obviously helps, and some of the young lads were excellent. Lots of positives."
After the postponement of a game against Kington Town, Ledbury were back in action - claiming victory to put an end to their six-game losing streak.
The side won 4-2 over Clee Hill United, and looked the better team throughout.
"I thought we were brilliant from start to finish," said Merrick. "We dominated the play, and you could say the only negative thing was that we didn’t score more."
The weather took effect again as the side had another game postponed, meaning they didn't play until their tie with Ludlow Town.
Speaking before the game, Merrick said: "A couple of players have decided to re-join the club. At the moment we are getting stronger as the weeks progress.
"We are building, a couple more players have joined the group, so I am confident that we can keep a good run of form going up to Christmas and into the New Year."
They would go on to score four again, picking up their first back-to-back wins of the season.
"It was a pleasing performance, it had a lot of elements. We weren't at our best but we really were resolute and dug in when we went down to ten," said Merrick.
"We can’t win the league, but what we can do is disrupt other people’s seasons. Play attractive, attacking football and try to get people to watch the team again."
With eight goals against Ludlow and Clee Hill, a rise up the league table and two wins from their first three league games, it is fair to say that - so far - the re-appointment has been a success.
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