Joyce takes over the reins at Thame after West quits

West left the Windmill Stadium this week to take the assistant manager's job at Slough Town.

His exit comes just weeks after the bailiffs stripped the club bare after United failed to settle a tax bill.

But despite the problems, Joyce is relishing the challenge.

The former QPR and Aldershot player was player coach at Thame last season and his first job has been to persuade United's players that there will still be a team to play for next season.

He said: "One or two players have told me they want to leave but I've got one or two who want to come in."

And he is targeting a mid-table finish.

Joyce, who played under Jim Smith, Trevor Francis and Don Howe as a player, said: "It is my first management job and I'm very excited about it.

"It's probably come around a season earlier than I expected but I'm confident in my ability. I have played under some good managers and I will take what I have learned from the good ones."

He has taken the job on without a contract and will carry on as a player.

Meanwhile, West revealed that it was tough leaving Thame, despite the uncertainty.

He said: "They are a good bunch of lads there. It was a difficult decision but Slough are a good club."

"I was at Slough for four years and had good times.

"But I didn't know what was happening at Thame. It becomes very difficult to bring players into the club with the problems we were having.

"Players were wanting to come to the club but when you can't offer them anything, you aren't going to get them.

"The club still isn't sure where they're going to be and I needed to get something done before I go away on holiday."

But club secretary Fred Saulsbury said Thame were getting back on an even keel.

He said: "It's been a kick up the backside for us but we're up and running.

"A lady supporter bought back the stuff that was taken by the bailiffs and she's loaned them back to us.

"It's going to be tough for us but we've got a lot of people rallying round."