Rams turn to new double act

The Rams say the pair won the chance to help them bounce back from a disappointing 18 months since the departure of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley for Salford City by coming out on top against numerous candidates to share the hot-seat at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

Having seen the club he helped found suffer its first relegation in 50 years in April, Ramsbottom United chairman Harry Williams is backing the pair to succeed where Jon Robinson and then Garry Vaughan failed.

Williams said: “We had over 30 applications for the position, which reflects well on the club. But after creating a short list and interviewing some very strong candidates, we felt that these two had the hunger and desire to take the club forward and produce the style of football and entertainment which should see the locals coming back in numbers.

“Having sampled a couple of seasons in the Premier, we are, of course, keen to return, but no pressure will be put on Paul and Mark. We just want them to reverse the club’s fortunes and push on. I have every confidence that they will do so and look forward to working with them both.”

Fildes, 35, was a prolific striker, scoring more than 500 goals in a career that took in the likes of AFC Fylde, Lancaster City, Kendal Town, Colne, Padiham and Barnoldswick Town before he took up the managerial reins at North West Counties Football League side Nelson part way through last season.

He said: “I am really excited to be joining Ramsbottom United Football Club and also delighted to be working with Mark Fell in management. I know Mark well and I am fully confident our styles will bring out the best in the players and fulfill the expectations of the chairman and committee and all the supporters at the club."

He added: "These are exciting times for us both and we are really looking forward to the times ahead.”

UEFA A coach Fell, the head of sport at Accrington and Rossendale College, set a NWCFL record leading Nelson to the title during his three years at the helm from 2012 to October 2015, his side’s record-breaking run including 16 straight wins and 153 goals scored.

He said: “I'm delighted to be joining Paul as manager of Ramsbottom United. I've known Paul for a long time and we will undoubtedly compliment each other with our approaches. The position represents a great opportunity for us both to work in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League and we are keen to repay the faith shown in us by the committee.

“Our dealings with the club so far have been extremely professional and the club clearly match our ambition as young managers with a passion and desire to progress. Our work now begins to assemble a side capable of challenging next season, as well as providing the people of Ramsbottom with a brand of football they will be keen to watch.”

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