LEE Duckworth hailed the impact of Sean Sherwood on his debut last weekend, a signing he says improves a Winsford United team that is already the strongest of his tenure.

The former Irlam midfielder has arrived at St Luke’s Barton Stadium from Mossley, and impressed during a 1-1 draw with neighbours Barnton in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

“Sean is a player we identified last season as somebody that would make us better,” said the player-manager.

“We wanted to sign him in the summer, but he preferred to try and break through with a side at higher level.

“When we discovered that hadn’t worked out we moved quickly, and he’s turned down offers from other local clubs to sign for us.

“He’s a powerful and imposing figure, and that’s the profile of who we wanted in that part of the field.”

Sherwood, 28, counts Chadderton and Retford among his previous clubs.

However he could not prevent Winsford from suffering a 4-0 defeat at AFC Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Duckworth admitted to the Guardian that he is frustrated not to have been able to pick his first-choice side to date this season.

However a return of 11 points from seven games, and with an unforgiving fixture list, is proof that there is greater depth to Blues squad.

A visit from Bootle on Saturday will examine that further.

“It doesn’t get any easier does it?” asked Duckworth.

“However we can take heart from how we’ve played so far, and confidence is high.

“We know how good Bootle are, but we’ve improved and think we can pose a threat to all of the top teams when we play them.

“I’ve got faith in this group of players, and we’re looking forward to having some fierce selection debates on a Friday night once everybody is available again.”