ALLAN Glover has vowed to put his faith in local lads to inspire Barnton to an unexpected promotion this season.

He has guided the North West Counties League debutants to third place in Division One since replacing Andy Burgess as manager at Townfield in November, winning four of six matches.

Now it’s the turn of talent based in mid Cheshire to continue that run.

“There are loads of good players around Northwich and they need to be given an opportunity,” said Glover.

“We don’t have a big budget, so we should be giving them a chance.

“Before it was almost a case of ‘whereabouts in Liverpool is Barnton?’, but every team will have a couple of Liverpool-based players because it’s such a strong area.”

Glover has acquired Jake Linaker from Sandbach United, who play in the Cheshire League’s top flight, along with former Rudheath Social duo Nick Newman and Ryan Jackson.

Ex-Winsford midfielder Kurtis Gill has left 1874 Northwich to join the Villagers too.

“I spoke to [former Rudheath manager] Steve Lloyd when I was looking for a left back, and he put me onto Jake who was playing for Sandbach at the time,” said Glover.

“When we’ve played Rudheath in the past they were always strong and I was impressed by Newman; he’s like a little rat in midfield, but is decent on the ball.

“I played left back and was often up against Jackson, so had to kick him a few times!”

Those recruits join fellow newcomers James McShane and Shaun Tuck, both front men, in a new-look Barnton line-up.

The manager says they have added to an already-strong squad, increasing the competition for places.

“The signings have made a big difference.” he added.

“Before the players were quite comfortable. Now they know they will get an opportunity if they do well in training.”

“If they play well, they’ll keep the shirt.”

He is likely to stick with what he has for Barnton’s remaining matches, starting when Irlam visit this Saturday.

And with former Football League professional Leon Knight sharing coaching responsibility, Glover says the squad has somebody to look up to.

He said: “Leon scored 100-odd goals in league football, so when he talks to strikers they listen.

“I’ve picked up some stuff from him too.

“What’s good for us now is a period of stability and continuity. We’ve brought some young lads in, and they need time to adapt to this level.

“The club’s target was to survive and compete, which I think we’re doing already.

“If we can continue to score goals, then hopefully we’ll stay in the play-offs places.

“That’s certainly my ambition.”