TERRY Venables' former right hand man has become Chalfont St Peter's new assistant manager after an amazing coup by the Ryman League minnows.

Ted Buxton, who was part of Venables coaching team in Euro 1996 and is one of Sven Goran Eriksson's chief scouts for England, has agreed to become Saints' new number two in one of the swoops of the summer.

He will be second in command to Chalfont's new boss Danny Edwards who at 25 will be the youngest manager in the Ryman League next season.

Edwards said: "It is quite a coup for us to get someone like him. It is very exciting and a big step for the club."

Buxton, who lives in Harefield and once coached the Chinese national team, will combine his duties with his job of spying on England's future opponents for Eriksson as England bid to qualify for the World Cup Finals in Germany in 2006.

He will kick off his Saints career tomorrow when they entertain Evergreen in their first pre-season friendly after returning from holiday in Malta today.

But the surroundings will be a far cry from Wembley, or the Stadium of Light in Lisbon where Buxton was part of the team which saw the country's Euro 2004 dream come apart against Portugal.

Chalfont don't even know where tomorrow's friendly will take place.

It can't be played on their home pitch because it is not ready and there is a doubt over the training pitch because of the work of vandals.

Edwards, who was promoted from youth team boss last season following the resignation of Martin Dean because of work commitments, said: "We're really looking forward to working with Ted. It's great for the club, good for me and Ted is excited about it as well."

Chalfont hope that the new management duo will help them turn Saints into a club where young players prosper.

Saints have signed a partnership with the West London Academy, which aims to provide a second chance for players who have been rejected by pro clubs, and Saints are hoping to become known as the club for giving youth its chance.

Edwards first met up with Buxton a few years ago and Buxton wanted him to do a coaching job at Fulham but now the roles have been reversed.