WINSFORD United are entering into a brave new era with the news that first team manager Dave Twite is to go full time.

Twite, who has been in charge at Barton Stadium for two seasons, will take on his new responsibilities from Monday and will retain his role as first team manager as well as becoming the club's general manager.

And it is a move he is looking forward to.

He said: "The opportunity is fantastic.

"It's really exciting for me and for the club.

"Normally at this level you run a football club as a hobby, but now I'll be doing it for a living and will be able to dedicate more time to it."

Twite's new role was finalised at a meeting with club chairman Mark Loveless on Monday evening and Twite has already been making plans for the club.

He added: "Roy Sweeney and I want to do our coaching badges and we've already had a word with Austin Speight from Blackburn Rovers about this because we want to start a soccer skills course at Barton Stadium.

"I'd also like to develop the club a bit more in the community and want to install a full fitness suite here."

Club chairman Mark Loveless is also delighted with the appointment and is looking forward to Twite starting his new roles.

He said: "We've got to push forward now and Dave has been with us for a couple of years.

"We've seen how he works and how he motivates people and we want him to do that for the rest of the club, not just the players."

But Twite must first mastermind Winsford's promotion from North West Counties Division Two.

And they made a massive leap towards Division One on Saturday with a 4-0 win over nearest rivals Silsden.

A result that pleased the manager.

He said: "It was a good performance for the lads and I'm well pleased.

"We've got two cup finals left now and if we win those two games I think we'll win promotion."

A major figure in Winsford's push for promotion has been Chris Melia who has scored 19 goals from midfield.

Twite added: "Chris got the breakthrough goal for us on Saturday and he's been doing this all seaosn for us.

"He's scored goals for us at crucial times and is always in the right place at the right time."