WINSFORD United have unveiled Chris Willcock as their new manager.

The Blues confirmed Willcock as the successor to Dave Twite on Friday following a three-week search.

And the new boss signalled his intent yesterday, Tuesday, by vowing to awaken the 'sleeping giant'.

Willcock said: "I'm chuffed to be here.

"It's my first step on the managerial ladder, but I'm determined to deliver."

Willcock makes the step up from coaching youngsters, with experience at Rochdale, Stockport County and Manchester City since 2001.

He is currently studying for his UEFA Pro Licence, something Premiership bosses Glenn Roeder and Gareth Southgate can't even claim yet.

His playing CV is certainly impressive, boasting league winners medals at UniBond and North West Counties level.

He was also part of the Altrincham team that finished fourth in the GM Vauxhall Conference in 1994.

"I believe I know what it takes to win at non league level, so this is my chance to put what I have learned into practice," he said.

Followers can expect a disciplined and physically stronger Winsford team next term.

Willcock has promised to improve the player's fitness levels, pointing to last season's deterioration just when the team needed to begin a final push for promotion.

"I don't want that to happen again," he said.

Delighted

Words endorsed by Blues chairman Mark Loveless, who is delighted to finally get his man.

He said: "The moment I met Chris I was impressed by how professional he was.

"The aim of this club has always been to achieve promotion and, with Chris in charge, I hope this year we can make that step up."

Loveless said Willcock had signed initially for one season while Neil Gill, who was in the running to take over from Twite, will continue as reserve team boss.

"The first team and reserves will work and train together, so Chris will have around 35 players to pick from," said Loveless.

Willcock was due to meet those players for the first time last night.

He said: "I'm itching to get started - I wish it was the first day of the season tomorrow."

The Blues finished fourth in the North West Counties Division Two last term, a disappointing result considering they had kept pace with FC United for much of the campaign.

But a run of two draws and a defeat ended their hopes.