Bootle appoint Morgan as new manager

The former Tranmere Rovers midfielder returns to the Berry Street Garage Stadium having spent nine months as the Bucks' assistant manager under Mick McGraa, who recently departed after over two years in charge.

Morgan, 51, brings a wealth of managerial experience from his time at the likes of Connah's Quay Nomads, Bangor City, his native Aberystwyth Town, Llandudno and Colwyn Bay.

During his time at Llandudno, he guided them to a Europa League playoff spot in just his first season at the Seasiders.

He has been involved in the youth setup at Tranmere Rovers, acting as a player development manager for the first team, whilst also heading up their under-18s squad.

Most recently, Morgan has been working with National League North outfit Southport as their first team coach alongside Jim Bentley, but parted ways with the club last Wednesday.

He takes over the reins at the Bucks who find themselves in 16th place in the NPL West Division, just four points clear of the relegation zone.

Speaking about his return to Bootle, Morgan said: "I'm really glad to be back. Obviously, I worked here under Mick McGraa, and it was just one of those where I've seen the news, which is not nice for any manager to leave, but I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to manage.

"I've always said that I've wanted to be a manager one day, and Bootle was an opportunity for me to have that chance.

"I've been here as an assistant which I loved. It was hard for me to leave in the summer, but I'm glad to be back here now.

"My main objective is to ensure that we stay in this league for next season, and then we'll reset in the summer and go from there.

"It's a clean slate for everyone. I know most of them [the players], they know how I work and what I expect and that's not going to change.

“I'll assess the new lads, but I've got to make sure that I earn their respect, which also goes both ways and then we can go from there.”

Morgan will take charge of his first game for Bootle in Saturday's trip to Chasetown, who will be aiming to cement their spot in the playoffs come the end of the season.