KNUTSFORD FC’s new manager is looking to build a squad which is based around experience and youth.

Nick Eaton was appointed by the club at the weekend to succeed Jordan Gunter, following a disappointing league campaign for Knutsford last season.

Club chairman Jimmy Evans said the club had decided a change and rebuild were necessary to move it forward following a review of the 2019-20 season.

“Knutsford is the job I have always wanted,” said Nick, 49, who lives in Wilmslow and is a keen cyclist and golfer and a fan of Manchester United.

“Knutsford have been the Man United of their league for the last 10 years.

“They are a very successful club, and a lot of that is built around Jimmy, who is very proud of the club and is very ambitious.

“Knutsford FC are about playing good quality football the fans want to see, encouraging players to play from the back, through the midfield up to the front, and I’m hoping to get exciting young lads coming through.

“If we can get Knutsford in a good place you will pull players in because of the club’s facilities and pitch, which are amazing.

“What gives me a kick is seeing good, flowing football with young players who are committed and want to progress.

“You want to be up there winning, but at the same time you want to encourage people to play good, attractive football.

“My expectation for this season is to build a squad based around experience and youth in the expectation of challenging for the league and the cup the following season.

“Mid table to above is where we need to be this season, with the understanding that in the following season we’re back up to where Knutsford should be – competing for the league.”

Nick said he had between 25 and 30 players coming down to take part in trials.

He added: “We will have a six-week pre-season with four friendly games, and then end up hopefully with a squad of 20 to 25 committed, and four or five lads who have experience and knowledge of the league.

“Other than that I’m looking to bring in some raw young talent we can build up over the next couple of years.

“I have been involved in football for years at different levels from pro clubs to local vets football.

“I have a passion for football and strong morals in terms of how the game is played and how the managerial team and players represent the club. 

“It’s about having a relationship with the local supporters while getting the best out of players through hard work and dedication and wanting to play good, flowing football.”

Jimmy Evans said: “We would like to thank Jordan Gunter for his passion, hard work and commitment to the club over many years and wish him well for the future.

“Following a recruitment process where we received over 20 high calibre applications, from a shortlist of three we are delighted to announce that Nick Eaton has been appointed as the first team manager.

“Nick brings a wealth of experience, has knowledge of our league and level of football and is on board with our football philosophy and the club’s key performance indicators.

“We welcome Nick to the club and wish him every success in the future.”

Nick’s playing career from 1982 to 1998 took him from Fulham to Macclesfield Town and Congleton Town, North Trafford and Bollington.

As a manager he won the Mid Cheshire League under 13s and Metro League under 14s with Wilmslow Sports JFC, and the East Cheshire League twice as manager at Wilmslow Sports.

He was in charge at Styal from 2012-14 and Whaley Bridge from 2015-16, and from 2018 to the present at Richmond Rovers Vets, who were promoted to the Premier League in one season under his charge.