Cradley Town have unveiled the fourth manager of their catastrophic season with ex-Thimblemill boss Marcus McDonald taking up the reins.

The new man, who during a distinguished playing career represented Bromsgrove Rovers, will be assisted by Brett Farrington after beating off a host of other candidates.

He takes over from club chairman, Trevor Thomas, who was in charge for Saturday's 6-0 home defeat at the hands of Stratford.

McDonald will be attempting to turn the fortunes around of a club who sit 10 points adrift at the bottom of the Midland Alliance having conceded a staggering 74 goals in 18 league matches.

He will hope to have more than Dave Porter, Paul Davies and Scott Cooksey who have all walked out since the start of the season.

Director of football, Paul Madders, is optimistic they have at last found the right man.

He said: "Marcus has an excellent CV in terms of playing with Telford United, Bromsgrove Rovers, Paget Rangers.

"We had an excellent response with seven applicants showing an interest, however it was Marcus' commitment to Thimblemill, along with his organisational skills, long-term potential and enthusiasm that we liked, but he can also put his hands on a few players too, as we have lost a number of players over the weeks through various reasons."

"It is vital we get some stability and can put a side on the park as the past few weeks have been something we do not wish to happen again.

"Marcus will take his first training session on Thursday (tonight) at the ground and the process of building a squad long-term takes place now, as what has been the vision and requirement of previous managers."

Madders added the club are still on the lookout for a new goalkeeping coach and a physio and anyone interested can contact him on 07786151538.

Off the field the club have welcomed Joe Beard to their back room staff to help identify local players and support Trevor Thomas and Paul Madders.

Madders added: "The club has had a real turbulent time, however we are all strong and focused on turning this around, get some stability and move on.

The re-building starts now and we have faith in the new manager we have appointed."

McDonald's first game in charge will see him take his side to Coalville on Saturday for a League Cup tie.

Meanwhile, War Memorial tenants Causeway United will be in action on Sunday (3pm) when they return to theFA Vase.

United will welcome Boston Town in the third round of the prestigious competition.

Manager Carl Burley is in buoyant mood ahead of the crunch cup clash after seeing his side defeat Studley 4-0 courtesy of a Stuart Howe hat-trick and one from Scott Gennard.

Burley's one concern is over who will be between the posts with on-loan Stourbridge keeper Paul Evans being cup-tied although the manager is hopeful of getting something sorted.

He said: "We've got a few things in mind and I'm hopeful we will have something sorted in time for the game.

"This is agame we are looking forward to and after having them watched we know it's game if we play to our ability we are more than capable of winning."

Ben Stretton will come back into action after missing the Studley game.

Halesowen Town bounced back from a 2-0 defeat at home to Hemel Hempstead with a crushing 3-0 win away at Bedford Town.

The win lifted the Yeltz up to fifth in the BGB Premier Division.

On the scoresheet were Zema Abbey, EldonMaquemba and Shane Paul.

The win also new signing Francino Francis make his debut as a second-half substitute.

The 20-year-old striker arrives at the Grove after spells at Watford, Stoke City, Kidderminster Harriers and Redditch United.

One player who has left the club is midfielder Guy Lopez while Redditch have put a seven-day approach in for centre-half Stuart Pierpoint.

Town will be hoping to build on the mid-week triumph when they host Mangotsfield United on Saturday (3pm kick off).