Simpson appointment a signal of intent, says Vics owner (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria owner Jim Rushe hails appointment of Paul Simpson as manager

11:30pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Sport By Andrew Simpson

PAUL Simpson’s appointment as Northwich Victoria manager is proof that the club is still a contender to win the title, according to owner Jim Rushe.

The former Stockport boss succeeded Andy Preece on Wednesday and takes charge of his first match when Vics bid to reach the FA Trophy last eight this weekend.

He will stay initially until the season’s end.

“Paul is here to finish a job started by his predecessor,” said Rushe.

“I wanted a man in charge who will have the same professional approach as Andy [Preece] and who is meticulous in his preparation of the team.

“He’s a big name, and ticks all those boxes.”

Pressed on how he felt the 45-year-old’s arrival would be perceived outside the club, Rushe was unequivocal.

He said: “It sends out a message.

“I hope it makes clear to Northwich supporters that I remain serious about what I’m trying to achieve here, which is to take the team back to the Football Conference.

“People think that this club is dying; I assure you it’s not.

“Bringing in a manager of Paul’s experience and calibre shows that.

“This group of players has done an extraordinary job so far this season, and I want to find out where they can take us.”

Simpson will be assisted by former Aston Villa full back Alan Wright, who spent last year at Fleetwood Town in non-league’s top tier.

The Carlisle-born boss has never managed a team outside of the Football Conference in spells on the touchline at Rochdale, Carlisle, Preston, Shrewsbury and Stockport.

In a solitary campaign at the helm in non-league, he guided Carlisle to promotion via the play-offs in 2005.

Among the players he called upon that season was one Andy Preece.

Rushe said: “Paul will hit the ground running – he’s spent the afternoon on the phone to contacts in London to get the lowdown on Hampton in time for Saturday.

“He knows some of our players too because they’ve been on his radar as potential signings at other clubs.

“I’m sure people, not least some of our rivals in this league, will wonder why he’s chosen to get back into the game at this level given his track record.

“He’s up for it though and is here to do a job from now until the summer. We’ve not talked about what might happen after that.”

Simpson, who will work without a contract for Vics, has been out of the spotlight since a brief spell at Stockport County that ended last January.

He meets the players for the first time at training tomorrow, Thursday, before Saturday’s clash at Macclesfield Town’s Moss Rose with Hampton & Richmond Borough.

At stake is a place in the FA Trophy quarter finals.

“It’s not an ideal game to be his first, but Paul is excited that we have a chance to play at Wembley if the run continues,” added Rushe, who confirmed that he had asked Ashton United manager Danny Johnson on Monday to take Preece’s place.