Whyteleafe chairman Mark Coote believes new manager Nick English is the right man to lead the club's future of youngsters.

English, who left Chipstead last summer, takes over following Stuart Massey's decision to step down in order to pursue a professional career in golf.

Former Croydon Athletic boss Jerry Scola is in talks to be his assistant while Danny Oakins and Gareth Graham are to be player-coaches.

"I have known Nick for many years," says Coote.

"He was my youth team coach here before he went to AFC Wimbledon.

"I thought he did quite well at Chipstead and had a bit of a raw deal when he left there so I wanted to give him an opportunity.

"He has a good record with youngsters, that's his pedigree.

"Because we have got rid of the reserves for next season, we are going to combine the youth team with the first team as we want them to develop quickly and Nick is a good manager for that.

"He will attract young players because they know they will have the opportunity to get in the first team."

Coote, who got the go-ahead from the Ryman League yesterday for Combined Counties side Warlingham to ground share with them at Church Road next season, also wished Massey the best of luck in his new career.

"His brother is a golfer and he is trying to follow him into a professional career," said Coote.

"He didn't think he could continue here with those commitments so good luck to him.

"We are still friends."