Sian wins praise at Eastbourne Borough - and is Danny the club's new style icon?

Ansell moved into the post less than two months ago but CEO John Bonar said: “Sian is a breath of air – or actually a south-westerly gale!”

“She is full of fresh ideas and she is keen to engage with the supporters, in spite of everything.”

Her initiatives have included one to put together Christmas hampers for supporters and other folk known to the club.

She said: “We wanted to bring a shaft of sunshine and a little glow of warmth, to a few people who would welcome it.

“I used money raised from auctioning the players’ shirts from the Blackpool game, and I used my powers of persuasion on some local stores!”

Morrisons, Sainsburys, Tesco, Iceland and Bookers pitched in and more than two dozen hampers have been delivered.

The club received this heart-warming reply from one elderly recipient: “Dear Eastbourne Borough, I want to thank you for my Christmas gift hamper. I love the club so much, and this has made my day. I am 92 years old, but please tell the manager that if he is ever short of players, I will do my best for him!”

Meanwhile, Ansell has noted some definite fashion trends. “Whatever Danny wears in the dugout, becomes a sell-out item in the club shop within 72 hours. The black puffer jacket is the latest to fly off the shelves. Our manager is in serious danger of becoming a style icon!”