Caretakers handed permanent posts

Appointed as caretakers two weeks ago following the surprise double departure of former joint bosses Paul Phillips and Steven Halford to Stalybridge Celtic, the duo were unveiled on Monday night after collecting four points from two outings in the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight, a 3-1 win at Stafford Rangers in their first game at the helm followed by a 2-2 draw at Hednesford Town at the weekend.

In a 9pm statement announcing the news, the Robins said the pair, pictured, had beaten a number of other strong candidates to be named as the new management duo at Hurst Cross.

The club said: "Ashton United FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Will Haining and Jody Banim as moint managers. The appointment follows a period of a little over two weeks in a caretaker management role where the two have impressed the board with the way they have conducted themselves and rallied the whole club under difficult circumstances.

"The standard, and number, of applications received for the vacant post was very high and the Board had to shortlist applicants in order to make the process of recruitment manageable. After careful consideration and following interviews with a number of applicants, in the interests of continuity, the board chose to retain the services of the caretaker management team, Will Haining and Jody Banim."

Haining and Banim are being backed by Robins chairman Terry Hollis to carry on as they've started on Tuesday night when they take charge for the first time on a permanent basis in the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight for the visit of Buxton.

Hollis said: "The playing squad and fans have responded extremely positively to the efforts of Will and Jody who, in turn, have conducted themselves in a very professional and pragmatic way, bringing stability to the club very quickly.

"This presented the Board with a simple, 'if it 'ain't broke, why try to fix it?' decision. We will now look to support our management team in every way that we can as we look to build upon the foundations laid over the past three years."

Prolific scorer Banim, 38, was at Radcliffe Borough last season after a career that has taken in Manchester United, Trafford, Altrincham, Flixton, Hyde United, Rossendale United, Radcliffe Borough, Shrewsbury Town and Accrington Stanley.

Haining turned out nearly 200 games for Oldham Athletic. The 33-year-old has also played out for Falkirk, Glasgow Rangers, St Mirren, Morecambe, Fleetwood Town, Hyde and Macclesfield Town.

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/