Trafford turn to Heathcote to lead relegation fight

Graham Heathcote will be back on the touchline in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League as the new manager of Trafford on Saturday.

Heathcote, pictured, was unveiled on Tuesday as the successor to Garry Vaughan at the Premier Division club following his decision to step down at the weekend after nearly six succesfull years at the helm.

Vaughan and his assistant Wayne Goodison left Shaw View following a run of three consecutive defeats that has left the club second bottom and nine points adrift of top flight safety.

Heathcote - a Non-League legend as a midfielder having made more 500 appearances for the star studded Altrincham side of the 1970s and 1980s and the scorer of FA Cup goals against the likes of Everton, Spurs and Liverpool - has appointed Chris Adams as his assistant with the pair now preparing to host Blyth Spartans in their first game in charge at the weekend.

Trafford new's manager is well respected throughout the game as a coach. As well as scoring nearly 150 goals for Altrincham, the 60-year-old spent eight years managing the club, masterminding their return to the Conference Premier in 2006 before leaving in 2010 during a major shake-up at Moss Lane.

Heathcote was later made a Freeman of the Borough of Altrincham for his services to the town and since leaving Altrincham has worked in an advisory capacity for a number of clubs and in 2013 managed Stafford Rangers.

Welcoming their new manager on board in a lunchtime statement, a Trafford spokesman said: "The task now facing him at Trafford is a daunting one as the club fights to stave off relegation and Saturday’s baptism could not come any tougher.

"Graham brings Chris Adams with him as assistant manager and the club are also delighted to announce that sports therapist Robyn Jones is staying. Welcome to Trafford, Graham and Chris, and the very best of luck to you!"

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