ALTON Football Club have announced Mark Corbett as their new manager, but he will not be taking charge until next season.

In a statement, Alton explained that Corbett would delay his arrival due to his present commitments, including studying for his UEFA A coaching licence.

Club stalwart Clive Ventham, assisted by Sean Hayes, will manage the Sydenhams League Division One team for the rest of this season.

Michael Charles resigned as Alton manager earlier this month.

The Brewers clearly feel that it is worth waiting for Corbett who currently works for Portsmouth FC, coaching their academy and scholars.

He is also a former Alton Town player and youth team manager. In recent seasons, Corbett has been Farnham Town’s leading goal-scorer, helping them to honours in the Combined Counties League Challenge Cup final just last May.

Corbett, an England beach football international, also had a short spell as player-coach with Walton & Hersham last season.

He was given a vote of confidence by Paul Tanner, his manager at Farnham.

“I personally feel that Mark is capable of moving from the playing side into management and coaching. At this moment in time, he is available to play for us and how long this carries on will be decided between him and myself. I wish him all the best in his new appointment next season.”

Alton bounced back from their FA Vase defeat with an emphatic 4-0 win against Folland Sports at The Enclosure on Tuesday.

Ryan Bunney scored the only goal of the first half and, soon after the interval, Sean Hayes struck to put Alton firmly in control. In the last ten minutes, substitutes Henry Fox and Ashley Peck made their mark with a goal apiece.