Wigger and Darren Eadie, joint first-team bosses, this week celebrated 100 games in charge, with the club currently enjoying exciting times, both on and off the pitch.

Aside from sitting second in the Southern League Central Premier Division, three points behind leaders Tamworth, but with three games in hand, the Blues are also building a 3G FIFA pro surface pitch to replace their current main grass one in the summer. A project set to benefit the club and wider community.

"100 games have rather crept up on us," Wigger said. "Me and Darren have been a long time in the post, three years, and perhaps should have played more games, but Covid obviously hasn't helped that.

"But for me, I'll be honest, Leiston feels like home. I'm happy here. Of course when things are going well, it's easier, but I've always felt the same. Every football club has its good people and Leiston has plenty."

Leiston head to Coalville this week, in a league clash, the Leicestershire-based side also sitting in the play-off positions. It will be another stiff test for Wigger's team, but these are tests they have continued to pass this season as they now find themselves serious contenders for a step up the pyramid.

So, would promotion to Step 2 and the National League faze Wigger?

"It wouldn't faze me," he said. "When me and Darren first came here we set ourselves a three-year programme of what we wanted to achieve. Firstly, understand the level and players, then introduce better players and finally make good connections for the club, push for the play-offs, have decent Cup runs.

"This is the third year and we are seeing the benefits. I've always liked to work in three-year building blocks. You don't get too far ahead of yourself. It's more realistic.

"Of course we can see where we are in the table right now, but there is no talk of promotion. Perhaps give it to the end of March and if we are still in a strong position, we can set objectives.

"But the first target is getting in the play-offs, then can we finish second or third and get a home draw in the play-offs? Then see again. We must keep breaking it down."

Wigger admits to being a non-league football buff. He has little time for the Premier League or watching Match of the Day.

"I love non-league," he said. "That's all I'm concerned about. Keeping up-to-date with other non-league clubs and players, watching YouTube videos of games."

While on the pitch the Blues first-team are flying, off the pitch there is a huge project in progress at Victory Road, the building of the new 3G pitch and infrastructure.

Wigger says not only is it crucial to the club but will be a big asset for the wider community.

And he should know because he works at the Nest, in Norwich, a facility that currently includes a floodlit 3G pitch, high-quality grass football pitches, residential bunk boxes, cafes, conference, event spaces and catering facilities.

"I see every day what a facility that includes a 3G football pitch can bring to the community," he said. "It will be fantastic for Leiston.

"Of course football is important. Our first team, who currently train in Ipswich, will be able to train at home. Our youth teams can train under floodlights on a superb surface. But also I would like to see it as a hub, for the facility to have a coffee shop, other spaces. Make it a venue, a place that is part of the town.

WATCH: Goal cam.. with Will Davies!

"People come to the club not just to watch football, but be part of a community, sit and enjoy the surroundings. At the Nest we do work to do with mental well being and disability projects. It's as much to do with community, as football."

Leiston are already halfway towards their £700K requirement for phase one of the project, with chairman Andy Crisp admitting the interest from individuals and businesses has been very encouraging.

"Since our launch last month, we have had a tremendous amount of interest," he said.

"Many people understand we are trying to build not just a superb 3G football pitch, but a hub the whole community can enjoy. A legacy that will benefit many people for years to come."

Chris Wigger is sponsored at Leiston by KEITH SWAIN