Mutch calling for rally of support (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria boss Andy Mutch asks for support in difficult times

3:27pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Terris Taylor

THE lack of a permanent home base is hindering new Northwich Victoria manager Andy Mutch securing the services of players.

Vics owner Jim Rushe is currently weighing up his options after the FA rejected the club’s appeal to allow the team, allocated a place in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s Division One South for the 2012/2013 season, to play at Flixton’s Valley Road rather than Stafford Rangers’ Marston Road.

The uncertainty is not aiding Mutch as he attempts to add to a his squad for the club’s pre-season friendly fixtures, which start at Alsager on July 21, and the start of the league campaign on August 18.

“Not having our own home does not help in bringing players to the club,” he said.

“It is difficult to get players in under the circumstances, whether we are playing at Stafford or anywhere else for that matter.

“I have always known Northwich as one of the biggest clubs in non-league football and unfortunately things happen at clubs for different reasons, but now it is harder to convince these players that Northwich is the best place to be.”

Last year’s playing squad largely disbanded following the club’s demotion to Division One South for breaking finance rules, meaning that the former Burscough boss needed to start from scratch when taking up the reins in May.

He is hopeful though that, with the club’s supporters behind him and his coaching and playing staff, they can grow on the field.

He said: “I am positive in what we can achieve. All the supporters, whatever their differences, still want the club to do well and without their existence there is no future for the club.

“That means we need the fans, we need a positive attitude and we need support of what we do on the field going forward.”

Vics started pre-season training yesterday, Tuesday, and Mutch is assessing his troops, including new signings Zach Hibbert, Sam Christensen and Lee Dodgson as well as a number of trialists.