JON-BARRIE Bates has urged Bedfont Town to give him a straight yes or no in his bid to become the manager permanently, so he can get on with the job in hand.
The former AFC Wimbledon midfielder has been in joint charge with Lol Brinicombe since Kevin Cooper left the club last month, and the duo have guided Bedfont to two wins and a draw in the league, losing only to leaders Slough Town.
However, a planned meeting to discuss the managerial situation never happened, as the club are happy to let the pair carry on the way they are.
But Bates, who was also made acting manager last season, but lost out on the post when Cooper was brought in, admits he would prefer the security of a permanent appointment.
He said: “I want the job, but they haven't said anything to me. All they have said is carry on as you are. But we've done well since Coops left, and I would prefer to know I have the job so I can get on with doing what I want do, and building my squad. I know the budget has been cut, but I've just been told to what I can.”
Town managed to scrape a 2-2 draw with rivals Chertsey Town on Boxing Day, having twice fallen behind. Lee Scott notched the first equaliser with 10 minutes left, but after former Bedfont player Moses Spencer restored Chertsey's lead six minutes later, Bates himself curled in a free-kick for Tommy Brewer to volley an equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time – moving his side out of the Southern League Central drop zone.
