Following the Brecklanders' worst Ridgeons League Division One run of the season – three straight defeats – 26-year-old Brooks was relieved of his duties on Sunday.

"It came as a bit of a shock," said Brooks, who had been the Mundford Road chief for three years.

"The club told me they wanted a new approach and I respect that decision," he added.

The final nail in the coffin was hammered home when Town slipped to a shock 3-1 home defeat against tomorrow's Norfolk opponents on Saturday (match report on page 67).

"Last year I guided the club to its best season in a very long time. I feel I have been a victim of my own success," said Brooks.

"Having said that, we should have beaten a team like Fakenham comfortably on our own patch and I dare say that the result cost me my job."

However, Brooks, who captained Thetford as a player, believes it will be sooner rather than later that he is back in football.

"I have confidence in my ability to manage and I will only get stronger from my experiences at Thetford," he said.

"I am a Thetford man and love the town and football club. I wish them all the best."

The former Peterborough United Youth winger is in talks with a number of Ridgeons League Premier Division clubs about a possible assistant manager's role.

Brooks' former number two John Dennis, 67, and Reserve team manager Simon Richards, 30, will take charge of first-team matters until a new manager is appointed.

Club secretary Bob Richards hopes to have that man in place within a month.

"We are in talks with someone and just need to arrange a formal interview," said Richards. "It is important we get someone in before the summer, to show our players that we have ambition for next season.

"Football is all about results and after just three wins from 13 games, the club committee believed that Simon had taken the club as far as he could.

"He is a great man and we all wish him the best of luck in the future."
Meanwhile, centre-back Kenny Brooks has made an unexpected return to the club after walking out in January, but left-back Andrew Cusack has joined Walsham-le-Willows.

Caretaker joint manager Richards, who could still apply for the vacancy, said, "It has been a hectic week at the club and it is vital the players go out and put in a good performance."

Leading goalscorer Karl Pask and goalkeeper Lee Hulyer are back in contention following ankle injuries.