DAVE Webb believes returning assistant manager Lee Spalding is in a better place to commit to Swindon Supermarine having rejoined the club.

Spalding left his role as Marine’s number two last season to spend more time nurturing the career of his two sons, Henry and Louis, who are on the books at Bristol City and Swindon Town respectively.

Henry was recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Spalding wanted to have a bigger role overseeing his son’s return to playing.

Having had some time out of the game, Spalding made the decision to return to the Webb’s Wood Stadium earlier this week after meeting with the Marine boss.

Webb insists Spalding – who has used the last few months gaining his coaching badges – has a renewed his passion for football and has more to offer the club than when he left.

“Lee and myself had a meeting and we were chatting about things, he still wants to see his boys progress, but he feels he’s in a much better position to commit and he feels he can bring more to the role,” said Webb.

“It’s great to have him back. He’s well respected locally and he’s very good at what he does.

“It’s a really important role to get the right person for and I’m glad that he’s back.

“In the time he’s been away from the club, and with the things he’s been concentrating on, he’s got his fire in his belly back.

“He’s looking forward to getting back in pre-season and working with the players. Now it’s our challenge as a management team to get a successful team on the pitch.”

One of the challenges currently being undertaken by Webb is bringing in a top quality striker to lead his attack this season.

Recently released Swindon Town youth product and former Marine loanee Connor Waldon is player Webb is very interested in signing.

The Webb’s Wood chief has met with youngster and even though he is aware of clubs further up the pyramid with interest in Waldon, believes Marine could be an ideal landing ground for the 20-year-old.

“We’ve spoken to Connor, we’re really keen to bring him in, “ added Webb. “He’s got a number of clubs after his signature.

“Connor knows how I feel about him and what the club can offer. We’re hopeful we can get that over the line. He knows, if he does come, how it will be for him.”

Two players who will not Marine players next year are Aaron Ferris and Scott Bevan.

Ferris is moving on to pastures further afield and Bevan, who signed on dual terms from Forest Green last season has joined Chippenham Town.

On Bevan’s move, Webb said: “That was disappointing, we gave him lots of football last year when he was at Forest Green, but he’s decided to go.”