James Bracken not only claimed the Ryman Division One South manager of the month award last week, but he received the ringing endorsement of an old friend.

The Corinthian Casuals boss led his team to the brink of the play-offs last month with five wins from five matches, before a points deduction for fielding a suspended player robbed them of a shot at promotion.

Bracken combined last season's epic campaign at King George's Field with his role as youth team manager at National League Premier bound Sutton United - a position he filled for the past nine years.

He claimed the Surrey U18 Midweek Cup and the Ryman Youth League Champion of Champions title before announcing his departure from Gander Green Lane at the weekend.

And United boss Paul Doswell, who celebrated lifting the National League South title last month, believes the only way is up for Bracken.

"James has done a fantastic job with the young players over the past nine years, and also had an impressive first season with Corinthian Casuals," he said.

"I'm sure he will have a very prosperous managerial career, and I wish him all the best with that."

Bracken added: "I've been involved in over 500 games and won about thirty trophies, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club.

"I'd also like to thank everyone who has worked with me, but particularly Gareth Miller and Geoff Moxey, who have been with me as secretary and physio since the beginning and whose help has been invaluable.''