TAUNTON Town have announced the reappointment of first team manager Leigh Robinson for the 2016-17 season.

Leigh was appointed to the Viridor Stadium hot seat in June 2012 and is now approaching the end of his fourth season in charge of the Peacocks, having improved the club’s playing fortunes year on year during his tenure.

A testing first year in charge saw the club finish in 18th place but this was massively improved on in 2013-14 when he led Town to an eighth place finish in the league as well as winning the Somerset Premier Cup.

Excellent progress was made last season with Town reaching the Evo-Stik League play-offs and retaining the Somerset Premier Cup with victory over Yeovil Town, and this trend has continued this campaign with Taunton enjoying increased success in national cup competitions and set to finish either second or third, their highest ever position in the Southern League which will again guarantee a place in the play-offs.

Robinson said: “Naturally I'm really pleased to be asked to stay on at the club. I've really enjoyed the last four years and helping the club win trophies and become challengers for promotion.

"We of course have lots to play for in the next two weeks or so but regardless of what happens, next year will undoubtedly bring big challenges.

"If we get promoted we will need to adjust to a higher level of football and increased travelling, and if we remain in this division there are two really big clubs set to join us to make things tougher.

"We'll be ready for this either way though. Last summer we lost a lot of players, but just got on with rebuilding the team and we've improved things yet again so this is something we will look to continue.“

Chairman Kevin Sturmey said: ”Regardless of what happens in the next 10 days we have made significant progress this season so I am delighted that Leigh has been reappointed unanimously by the board and I look forward to working with him again next season.

"Leigh always conducts himself professionally and with humility. He never shirks the tough decisions or gets too down or over-excited which I think is key when managing as emotion can often cloud judgement.

"He has assembled an incredibly hard working, professional and ambitious management team who have all played their part in taking this club forward and helped create an environment that players want to be part of here at the Viridor Stadium.”