Ammies go for local legends

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Salford City have handed Moss Road legend Phil Power and former Ammies striker Barry Massay their managerial reigns for next season.

The First Division North outfit announced on Thursday that the pair had replaced their previous managerial duo, Andy Heald and Chris Thompson. They left the club last Friday by mutual consent, citing business and family commitments on their part. Heald and Thompson took over from previous manager Darren Sheridan in January. Despite difficult circumstances they guided the Ammies to their first cup final in six years.

Massay is a familiar face at Moor Lane having enjoyed several successful spells with the club as a combative centre forward. He also turned out for a number of local Non-League sides before turning his hand to management with the Manchester League's Hindsford. The Tyldesley-based outfit recorded back-to-back league titles under his stewardship and City believe his appointment is sure to be a popular one among their fans.

Power arrives with a wealth of experience having played for a number of clubs during a career that spanned well over 20 years and included two FA Trophy winner's medals and a Conference title. He started out with Northwich Victoria where he won his first Trophy medal, moved on to Witton Albion and then played in the Football League with Crewe Alexandra.

A spell with Maltese side Sliema Wanderers was followed by stints at Chorley, Barrow and Stalybridge Celtic before Power won legendary status at Macclesfield Town where his 161 appearances yielded an impressive 58 goals. During his time with the Silkmen he won the FA Trophy again, claimed two Conference titles and also grabbed a League 2 runner's-up medal.

Power moved on to a productive spell as player/assistant manager at Altrincham before assisting Karl Marginson at FC United of Manchester, winning the North West Counties' Second and First Divisions titles before helping to guide the Rebels to a then Unibond League First Division runner's up spot.

Salford say they are delighted with the appointments which they hope will herald the start of a new successful era at the club. "Both lads are proud Salfordians and the club are confident that their qualities will provide the impetus for a sustained attempt to climb another level within the Non-League pyramid," said a spokesman. "Salford City Football Club offer congratulations to their new managerial partnership. Preparations for the 2013-2014 season can now begin in earnest."

* Salford City Chairman Darren Quick also announced this week that he is stepping down from his role in order to commit more time to his family and business. Quick took over as Chairman before the start of the 2007-2008 season and his tenure began with promotion to the Nothern Premier League for the first time in the club's history.

Over the past five seasons City have established themselves at Step 4 with Quick credited for much of their success, both on and off the field. He has told the club he will continue to support them through sponsorship and will attend games when his commitments elsewhere allow.