Exclusive interview by Nick Smith

WINSFORD United manager Steve Shaughnessy has appointed former Everton and Manchester City star Kevin Langley as his assistant manager.

Langley was brought to Barton Stadium in the summer to assist Kevin Tully and his team with coaching and also signed on as a player.

He works as a coach at the Wigan Athletic Youth Academy, another of his former clubs, and has also played in the UniBond League for Runcorn and Witton Albion.

And after watching Winsford dispose of Harrogate Town in their opening UniBond Division One game on Saturday, the 36-year-old is sure they have the potential to go straight back up.

"It was very encouraging on Saturday, we're delighted to win our first game," said Langley.

"We're not the finished article, but we will be working on a few things which went wrong. Having said that, there weren't many because a lot of things went really well."

Shaughnessy was leading the Blues' forward line on the pitch, while Langley was on the sidelines during the 2-0 win over Harrogate.

Although Langley is available as a player, it seems Shaughnessy is keen to have someone of his experience and knowledge conducting from the dug-out.

"Steve said he wants to play because he's got a few years left and he wants someone to get on with things while he's doing that," added Langley.

"He's got no problem with me playing if I'm available, but he's the manager so I'm going along with it.

"I'll give it my best shot. I've only known Steve six or seven weeks, but he's down to earth and you know where you are with him.

"All the lads are made up that he's manger. When he gives a team talk it's like he's been doing it for 20 years."

However, Shaughnessy admitted he didn't feel an experienced boss prior to the all-important three points which marked his first match officially in charge of the Blues.

"It was great to get that game out of the way," he said. "I was a bit nervous but we did very well, considering we haven't been together that long..

"We tired a bit in the second half, but that was understandable because we took the game to them in the first half.

"I was pleased that we won but pleased we didn't concede any goals, that was the major bonus for us."

Keeping the goals against column bare will be a struggle this week, as Steve Hibbert looks set for at least a two-month lay-off, leaving Shaughnessy searching for another centre half.

Ashton United, who won at Guiseley, who followed Winsford down into the First Division, on Saturday, host United this weekend before the big derby with Witton Albion at Barton Stadium on Monday.

Shaughnessy said: "I looked at the results and saw the centre backs scored for Ashton, so that tells me they're going to be strong from set pieces, but I think we've got the people to combat them.

"It's the first away game so it will be interesting to see how we fare."

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