Huntingdon have appointed Bob Warby as their new manager.

Warby’s arrival was confirmed by chairman Doug McIlwain minutes after Town crashed to an 8-0 defeat at Newport Pagnell in the United Counties League Premier Division yesterday.

Warby, who spent 13 months in charge of Thurlow Nunn League First Division outfit Downham Town until resigning in December, was a spectator as rock-bottom Huntingdon went down to a 14th successive loss.

Warby inherits a team 10 points from safety after winning only two of their 30 league games this term and becomes their third boss during a difficult season.

McIlwain said: “Bob was at the game today and he was introduced to the players afterwards.

“I made the appointment there and then after previously having had a very productive three-hour meeting with him during the week.

“I’ve done my research on Bob and I like what I found out. He has a track record of being successful without a playing budget.

“He has seen the potential in the players and has some views on the things he would implement.”

Boston-based Warby, who approached McIlwain about joining Huntingdon, was previously part of the March Town management before his stint at the Downham helm.

It was during his time at the Norfolk club that he knocked Huntingdon out of the FA Vase earlier this season – a result which prompted the resignation of then-Town boss Ian Edge.

Warby now replaces Scott Witherall as Huntingdon chief. Witherall’s five-month reign came to an end by ‘mutual agreement’ a couple of days ago.

Warby will bring in Mark Forrest as his number two. They will take charge of training on Tuesday and Thursday ahead of Town’s home clash against Harrowby on Saturday.

McIlwain added: “I get messages all the time from potential managers and Bob recently got in touch to express his interest if the job ever came up, or if Scott needed some help.

“Scott felt he had done all he could and thought the time was right for someone more experienced to come in so the timing has worked out very well.”