Band's calling the tune now

Peter Band is the new manager at Mossley AFC following Steve Halford's departure to team up with Peter Phillips as the joint managers of Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Ashton United.

Halford left First Division North Mossley on Thursday after accepting an offer from the Premier Division's Robins to work alongside keeper Phillips following Craig Robinson's resignation at Hurst Cross.

Robinson, who replaced former Ashton United manager Danny Johnson in May, resigned on Thursday for 'personal reasons'.

Band, pictured, joined Mossley as a player in August 2011 and made 42 appearances for the Lilywhites in the 2011-12 season. Last season the 39-year-old made just six starts as he wound down his playing career while working as Halford's right-hand man.

Mossley say they expect to announce the appointment of a new assistant manager in the coming days and paid tribute to the departed Halford.

A spokesman said: "Mossley AFC would like to place on record our thanks to Steve Halford for his efforts over the last two seasons and wish him all the very best at his new club."

Band stepped in as assistant manager at Mossley alongside Halford in January 2012 following the departure of former Lilywhite boss Gareth MClelland. He has also worked as assistant manager to Chris Willcock at former Evo-Stik NPL outfit Woodley Sports.

As a player, Band entered Non-League with Cheshire amateurs Bollington Athletic, spending several season with them before joining Hyde United in 1998 aged 25. He started out as a striker but reverted to midfield and was often used as a centre back, a position he eventually featured in regularly for his later clubs.

He left a struggling Hyde team to join Altrincham and then stepped up to the Conference with Northwich Victoria. After Altrincham's promotion to the Conference he switched back to Moss Lane in the summer of 2006, making his 200th appearance for Altrincham that season.

Band re-joined Hyde for his second spell at the club in 2007, quickly making his 200th appearance there also. He joined New Mills in the summer of 2008 before moving to Woodley Sports.