A FORMER football manager who was knocked unconscious in an unprovoked attack has spoken of his relief after one of his attackers failed to get his conviction overturned.

Ex-Redbridge FC boss Allan Fenn, 40, was walking home after a night out at Funky Mojoe, in South Woodford, when he was set upon by Harry Walker, of Genas Close in Ilford, and Demitrious Grant, of Winchester Road in Highams Park, both 22.

The father-of-two suffered a broken nose, two broken ribs, two black eyes, a fractured jaw and a badly bruised face.

The thugs were jailed for 18 months in November last year but Walker, who has since been released on licence, went to the Court of Appeal to try and clear his name.

Mr Fenn said he was still haunted by memories of the attack and was relieved Walker’s court bid had failed.

He added: "He’s only a young lad and everyone makes mistakes, but I’m pleased him and the other lad went down.

"There were two of them and they used my head for football practice – anyone who does that deserves to serve their time."

Mr Fenn, who lived in Churchfields, South Woodford, has since moved to Hereward Green in Loughton to try and rebuild his life.

"I still have to take medication to cope with the trauma of what happened," he added.

"I'm on sleeping tablets and find it difficult to go out in the evenings.

"Physically I’ve healed, but mentally it’s very tough. I also stay out of the area now.

“The memories are just too painful.”

Mr Fenn now works in recruitment but is attempting to get back into football management, and has applied for jobs at three non-league teams in the past week.

“It’s only now I’m applying for jobs in football again,” he said. “I’m a confident bloke, but this really knocked me.”