Stuart Massey, having missed out on succeeding Ian Hazel as manager at Sutton United, has now followed Hazel to Leatherhead, but not in his previous role of assistant manager.

Hazel says: "Stuart was my assistant manager at Sutton and became caretaker manager when I left. He was hoping to get the job permanently, but Sutton gave it to Ernie Howe so Stuart has come to Leatherhead.

"With Bob Langford continuing as our assistant manager, Stuart will be coach. He and Bob both have plenty of experience and they should be able to work well together."

Massey, a player at Crystal Palace, was a manager with Whyteleafe, while Langford, 53, has been manager of Redhill, Banstead and Tooting, and was coach at Crystal Palace and Molesey. Mickey Stephens will continue to scout for the Tanners.

Mark Hammond, a right midfielder, has already joined Leatherhead from Sutton, and other players could also switch from Gander Green Lane, but Hazel would only say: "I want to bring in some new faces to strengthen the team."

He admits: "All the speculation is having an unsettling affect at Leatherhead. Other clubs are trying to take advantage of the situation and there have been three seven-day notices of approach for our players. I would like players to stay and fight for their places, and I am prepared to give everyone a chance, but some may decide to jump ship." Gavin Bolger has already left the club.

Hazel was disappointed that his first match in charge resulted in a 3-1 home defeat by Ashford Town last Saturday when Hammond came in for his debut as Steve Sargent was starting a three-match ban for being sent off.

Defensive errors led to goals by Barry Gardner and Walid Matata, who scored twice - once from the penalty spot following a foul by Lynvall Duncan. Leatherhead replied when a fine move by Hammond, James Greenaway and Billy Marshall set up Scott Forrester to score.

Hazel said: "The attitude and effort was good, but some areas of the team need strengthening. The players have another chance to prove themselves this Saturday when we are at home to Mangotsfield in the FA Trophy."