WINSFORD United reserve team boss Neil Gill has jumped ship to Witton Albion.

Gill will look after Albion's youth development after the Wincham club decided to merge their reserve and youth teams for next season.

Witton manager Jim Vince is delighted with the move.

He said: "We wanted to bring Neil to the club a year ago, but the structure we had then stopped us from appointing him.

"I'm delighted he is on board. His contacts and knowledge of where the best local talent is playing can only be good for us."

Gamble

Vince admits he's taking a risk, but believes it may attract the best young players in the area to the club.

He said: "I know it's a gamble, but I've been thinking about doing it for a while.

"I know we can make it work."

Gill, who is also in charge of the Mid-Cheshire District FA U18s side, will lead Witton in the Mid Cheshire League First Division.

Albion's former reserve side ran Middlewich Town close for the title last term.

The Blues' new manager Chris Willcock said it was too early to assess the impact on his own team.

"I had heard rumours that Neil could be leaving," he said yesterday, Tuesday.

"But I don't want so say any more about it until I've had a chance to speak to the chairman."

Meanwhile Willcock takes charge of his first training session later this week after meeting the squad in the past seven days.

He plans to cast his eye over the current team before deciding where to strengthen.

"It's early days yet but I can't wait to get started," he said.

"I know the lads feel the same, so it should be a good build up to the new season."

The Blues are looking for promotion after missing out the past two years.