Andy Gray in as new Burscough FC boss

May 14 2009 Ormskirk Advertiser

NEW Burscough boss Andy Gray says he wants to build a side the fans can be proud of.

The former Prescot Cables manager was announced as the Linnets’ choice to replace Andy Mutch yesterday afternoon.

Having beaten off a number of highly regarded non-league names for the post, Gray has revealed his determination to bring the good times back to Victoria Park.

The 49-year-old believes the appeal of playing for the Greens will enable him to attract the right calibre of players as he looks to steady Burscough following a turbulent season.

Gray said: “I am delighted to get the job. Obviously after the season that has just gone with Prescot, I am really pleased to get the opportunity to manage a club of Burscough’s stature.

“I am a local lad and I played for Burscough for a good few years between 1978-81, all round that era.

“I like the club, I like everything about it and when I met Chris (Lloyd) and Nick (Kileen) they were a breath of fresh air .

“I just feel it is a great opportunity for me, I am a passionate man, am really keen about the job and wanted to work - I will do my upmost to give the fans a team they can be proud of.”

Gray will split the role as new Linnets boss with his current job of Sports Development Coach for Everton in the Community.

Those already established links in dealing with the local population, schools and other organisations worked strongly in Gray’s favour.

But as well as promoting Burscough in West Lancashire and beyond, Gray’s main task will be to assemble a squad fit for the UniBond Premier Division.

He added: “Developing links with the community for the club will be very much like what I do in my job at Everton. There, it is all about social inclusion as we work right through the community.

“The squad for next season is all a little bit up in the air at the moment but we will be keeping two contract players, Dave Roberts and Matty Parry. I will speak to all the players next week. Burscough Football Club is a great bargaining tool because people want to play for the club, there is an excellent set-up with great people behind the scenes. A lot of hard work goes on there and I hope to build on that, on the pitch.

“I have spent the last four years managing Prescot Cables in the UniBond Premier and know it is very hard.

“The top half of the league have big budgets and experienced players. It is all about consolidation, getting the foundations right and building from there - this is a new chapter.”