WAYNE Bond is taking the management reins at Heybridge Swifts.

The club issued a statement this afternoon, reacting to yesterday's departure of previous boss Mark Hawkes and assistant Steve Smith to Chelmsford City.

They thanked the pair for their efforts during their time at Scraley Road.

And they confirmed that Bond - first-team manager from August 2008 until January 2011 - will now step up with immediate effect and for the "foreseeable future".

The club statement added that another announcement will follow in the coming few weeks, regarding the appointment of a permanent management team.

Bond, who had been Swifts' director of football, will be assisted by Chris Moore.

Swifts have a Ryman League division one north derby at Burnham Ramblers tomorrow.