New Lilywhites already feeling the pressure

NEW BAND LEADER: Peter Band (right) with former Mossley boss Steve Halford

Non-league football:

PETER Band can’t wait to get stuck into his first managerial role at Mossley.

Former Hyde United, Altrincham and Northwich Victoria midfielder Band was handed the Seel Park reins on Friday after Steve Halford opted to take the chance to take up a joint-manager position at Ashton United alongside Paul Phillips.

Band had been Halford’s assistant during the former Bury defender’s largely

successful 18 months in charge, but now he is to be the top man he is relishing the prospect.

Band (39) said: “I’m ready for it, but I know it will be tough challenge to follow Steve.

“I’ve worked with him at Hyde and then Mossley and we did well to get to the play-offs last season and win the Manchester Premier Cup. But I’m in charge now and the pressure is on me for the first time.

“I won’t necessarily change the way we played football under Steve, but of course I want to stamp my own mark on a few different things.”

Band still hadn’t secured a backroom team ahead of last night’s opening pre-season friendly game at Chadderton, though he hopes that situation will be resolved by this weekend.

He is also set for a busy period of squad rebuilding as a clutch of last season’s Mossley stars have now left the club.

Defender Dave Young retired, while Lee Rick, former skipper Jay Gorton and Sam Madeley joined Ashton before Halford’s departure.

Cavell Coo has joined FC United and Adam Mather has been lured to Chorley.

Band isn’t overly worried just yet: “A number of last season’s top players have already signed for next season, people like Gary Gee, Mark Haslam, Chris Denham and Ryan Hopper, and I’ve already had three or four players in to take a look at.

“I’ll have a look at a number of new faces in the games against Glossop and Bacup this week, but they really need to be standing out. With due respect to Glossop and Bacup, any new lads need to be shining against clubs like that.

“Next season is going to be tough if we are to reach the play-offs - or even go up of course.

“I know I must remain realistic, but that has to be the aim at this stage.”



MOSSLEY were beaten 5-3 at Chadderton last night. On target for the visitors were trialist pair Craig Billington and Davison Banda, as well as youngster Nathan Tosum. Former Lilywhite Matty Russell bagged a well-taken hat-trick for Chadderton.