The Stoneylands club was informed of his decision on Monday, just 48 hours after Melford had pulled off a stunning 4-1 victory at Diss.

Tracey, a former player and youth team captain at Stanway, will take over from Rob Bate and Paul Symes, who are standing down at the end of the season.

Tracey turned down an initial approach from the Ridgeons League premier division club. "But I had second thoughts. I have always played at the highest level I could, and I want to do the same in management."

Tracey was interviewed for the post on Wednesday, 24 hours after bottom of the first division Melford had been beaten 6-0 at Whitton.

"I was offered the job on Monday, but I had to think long and hard about it after Saturday's result at Diss. They are great guys at Long Melford and Saturday's game was the best I've had since I've been there.

"Football is all about challenges. I am putting myself under pressure as expectation is high at Stanway. But I owe it to myself to give it a go at the next level."

Tracey was not under contract at Melford, and the club had agreed not to stand in his way if a bigger club came in for him.

"The move has come much more quickly than I anticipated," said Tracey. "I am grateful to Melford for giving me the opportunity in management. Hopefully the club will go on from Saturday and get off the bottom."

Melford chairman Alf Woodhouse said: "Given time he would have been the man for us. We were going in the right direction.

"We did say when he came we would not stand in his way, but I am disappointed he has decided to go."

General manager Paul Grainger and Reserve team manager Ryan Owens will be in charge for Melford's last three games of the season.