MARK Came took over as Winsford's caretaker manager this week, hoping to carve out a path to the job on a permanent basis.

The former United captain can make himself favourite to succeed Dalton Steele in a spell which begins with a testing trip to high-flying Bamber Bridge on Saturday.

The appointment comes after Steve Shaughnessy agreed to do the job only for one game, the visit of Whitby Town on Saturday.

Came and the board were due to meet with the playing staff last night to discuss their futures with the club, although a 40 per cent cut in the wage bill means that departures are inevitable.

Two have already asked to be released, although chairman Terry Savage was hopeful that he could retain up to eight of the current squad.

He said: "We're assessing it. Two players asked to be released on Saturday, which means cuts might not need to be as drastic for the rest of them.

"We've also offered the players any reward money we get from a top three finish in the Unibond Premier."

Savage is still looking to appoint a permanent boss as soon as possible and the board will be drawing up a short list and interviewing during Came's trial period.

Came himself will be applying for the advertised positon and gets first refusal if results go well. So far, four others have shown an interest in the post.

Savage said: "Mark Came will be taking over as caretaker on a week by week basis until a new manager has been appointed.

"We hope to make a permanent appointment before the end of the season because whoever gets the job will have to work hard in the close season to develop the team."

Came has already set about contacting league clubs to plug any gaps which may arise from last night's meeting, and has no qualms about dealing with Winsford's financial restrictions.

He said: "I've never hid the fact that I'd like to the job so I jumped at the chance.

"I want to be very positve and enjoy it. It's no good moaning about things. I don't want to mention the current situation and blame it on anything.

"I'm looking forward to everything about the job. It's new to me but if I feel I've done my best, I hope that the board can see something in me and stick with me for next year.

"I've not missed a home game since I stopped playing and still chat to the players but it all boils down to money, which is out of my hands. But I'm happy about the situation."

Came, who joins wife Denise on the Barton Stadium team, hasn't ruled out the possibility of a sensational return to playing afetr quitting last October.

He said: "The only thing I can say is that I'll be training with the players and if the knee holds up it may be a possibility. I need to give it a couple of weeks."

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