Mutch made to work harder by southern switch (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria manager Andy Mutch admits his job is harder with team in southern section

10:31am Friday 1st June 2012 in Vics By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

ANDY Mutch admits his job has been made harder after the Football Association recommended Vics play in the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South next season.

Already facing the prospect of putting together a new team following the club’s forced demotion as punishment for breaking finance rules, the Northwich boss must talk prospective signings into travelling to Stafford for home matches.

“It makes life more difficult,” he said.

“Travel is an issue that players take into account when they decide their future, so I’ll have to convince them they are making the right choice to come here.

“My attitude is to get on with it because I believe that playing for Northwich is a good option.”

So far three players – goalkeeper Zach Hibbert, stopper Sam Christensen and midfielder Lee Dodgson – have agreed with him.

Of last season’s squad, which finished runners-up to Chester on the pitch, 10 have confirmed moves to other clubs while none have said they plan to stay.

Mutch said: “It’s important to put the past behind us.

“My remit is to build a new squad, and I’m in full flow doing that.

“I’ve got to look forward from now on and focus on working hard to put together a group that’s competitive in terms of what we want to achieve.

“I want a team that’s successful, so it’s not a case of signing players to make up the numbers – they have to be of a good enough standard.

“We have to be realistic though; it’s only May.

“It’s pointless worrying about what other clubs are up to or who they have signed already.”

Former Burscough boss Mutch, along with Alan Wright, forms Vics’ fourth management team since the start of the year.

Teenage defender Christensen, who finished last season at Clitheroe after leaving eventual Football Conference champions Fleetwood Town, is their first signing.

“He’s had a good grounding, but it’s been hard for him to break through,” said Mutch.

“He needs to be playing matches every week at a standard where he can improve. He’s a big and strong, but can play a bit as well.

“I’m a manager who wants his teams to play, I don’t like a long ball game.”

Defensive duo Dominic Collins and Tom Smyth have signed for Blue Square Bet North clubs Chester and Colwyn Bay respectively in the past 48 hours.

Midfield schemer Sean Kinsella, as expected, has rejoined Stafford Rangers.