FROME Town manager Josh Jeffries claims it was worth the wait after he named Ben Cleverley as his assistant manager.

Cleverley joins Jeffries after the 35-year-old called time on his playing career at the end of last season.

Despite being friends from their time together at Paulton Rovers, the Frome manager admits the former Cheltenham Town midfielder needed convincing.

“He was the main guy that I wanted to get in, I’ve played more games with him than I have with anyone else in my career,” said Jeffries

“I’ve been good mates with him for a long time and as soon as it came out that (former boss Nick) Bunyard was going to get a long-term ban I needed someone to come in and help.

“I’ve been speaking to Ben for a number of weeks now, he’s been out of the game since the summer so took a bit of persuading, but he’ll be brilliant.

“A few of the lads will already know him, he’s played at this level and higher so his experience will be invaluable to us.

“It can be a lonely job sometimes so it is good to have a friend, I was keen to get someone in who I have known for a while.”

The Southern League Premier Division side were also forced to change their plans after their game with Cirencester Town last night was called off due to a frozen pitch.

The postponement was much to the annoyance of Jeffries, who was hoping his side could redeem themselves after their 6-1 defeat at the hands of Truro in their third round FA Trophy tie.

“It’s frustrating because we wanted to put Saturday right but it was always in doubt to be honest, we were expecting it,” added Jeffries.

“We wanted to get a game as quick as possible after Saturday but unfortunately we are going to have to wait.

“Mentally they were ready for the game, but they have a few days until the weekend so they should be ready for Saturday.”

Frome will be back in league action this weekend when they travel to high-flying Slough Town.