Manager Brett Whaley is relishing a major March Town summer revamp.

Whaley admits that significant surgery is required – on and off the field – at the Thurlow Nunn League First Division club.

He initially oversaw an upturn in form when returning to the Hares hotseat for the third time in February, but March have since ended the campaign with a miserable run of six successive defeats culminating in a 3-1 loss at Debenham LC last Saturday.

However, Whaley has gained valuable insight during the past two-and-a-half months and feels that knowledge will serve him well during what is likely to be a hectic summer.

“The last few games showed me everything that is wrong with the football club,” said Whaley.

“Some of what I saw was nothing short of embarrassing and not something I want to be associated with.

“It is now up to me to put things right during what is the biggest summer I’ve had in my time in management.

“I’m almost starting from scratch. I have a blank canvas and I’m genuinely looking forward to putting together a squad for next season.

“Taking the job in February rather than now was hugely valuable. I’ve seen everything I need to see and I can now take the right action going forward.

“There will be plenty of new additions - I hope to bring in somewhere around eight players – but we also need to work on instilling the right attitude and commitment levels.

“The real work begins now.”

Whaley’s top priority is to review the management structure throughout the club – that means first, reserve and Under 18 teams.

He will then turn his attention to bolstering his playing squad with a number of targets already been drawn up.

March finished 17th in the final First Division standings, but can arguably count themselves fortunate not to be two places lower.

Fellow Fenland side Wisbech St Mary (18th) and Norwich United Reserves (19th) did not complete all their fixtures and could have leapfrogged the Hares.

Leading scorer Jack Brand gave March an early lead in their final-day defeat at Debenham LC with his 16th goal of the campaign.

But the afternoon then went downhill. March had Casey Logan stretched off with a serious knee injury before falling behind by half-time. A further Debenham LC late in the second half sealed the hosts’ victory.