LITTLE Oakley boss Matt Carmichael has sung the praises of his management team and believes they are a winning combination.

The Acorns chief works alongside assistants James Good and former Brantham Athletic manager Ben Swan.

Mark Sharp is a coach within the set-up and also playing a pivotal role in terms of the club's new academy, which is being run in partnership with AFC Sudbury.

“Everyone within the management team has something to add," said Carmichael, whose side finished their Thurlow Nunn League first division south campaign with a 2-0 victory against Newbury Forest on Saturday.

“We all trust each other and respect and value each other’s opinions, which is transferring through to the players.

“They trust each other, too.

“It’s good and very enjoyable and the relationships within the management team has been a key factor in our success.

"It's definitely helped the players, who have grown into as the season’s progressed, understandings the demands and commitment of this level of football.

“They’re buying into that mentality and appreciate the discipline needed to be a successful team at this level.

“That can only be a good thing."

Harry Mann and Matt Geen scored the goals in last weekend's victory against Newbury Forest.

The match had originally been an away fixture but was switched to the Memorial Ground because Forest's pitch was unavailable on Saturday.

“I’m very pleased with the way things have gone and it was nice to finish with a victory," added Carmichael.

“We’ve only lost two or three games all season, always by a two-goal margin.

"There haven’t been any big defeats and there are lots of positives to take into next season."

Oakley finished seventh in the table.