MARK Harris has hired Paul Ogden as Witton’s new manager in order to put a smile back on the faces of the club’s supporters.

The Albion chairman told the Guardian that the former Leek Town number one was the candidate capable of making Wincham Park a happier place.

“Paul’s enthusiasm is like nobody else I’ve met,” he said.

“I’ll be honest, I was surprised when he made contact to say he wanted to take over but when somebody of his experience says they want to come to your club then you have to interested.

“He was the only guy to sit down and tell me how he planned to get Witton Albion winning football matches.

“That’s what I wanted to hear.”

Ogden, 63, has not picked a team anywhere since leaving Harrison Park for the last time in January 2008 after five spells as manager.

But he said that the prospect of taking charge at Witton – a club he turned down six years ago – had proved too big a temptation.

“Everything I could want is here,” he said.

“I’ll let you in on a secret too; I made a mistake not coming here when I had the opportunity. I’ve regretted it since.”

Ogden is assisted by Brian Pritchard and former fans’ favourite Dave MacPherson, who will both continue to play too.

All three are part of a new management structure unveiled by Harris to supporters at Wincham Park on Thursday, which includes the revival of Witton’s reserves and plans to field a youth team the season after next.

Former Middlewich Town manager Terry Murphy will watch Albion’s opponents, plus recommend players to Ogden, in his role as chief scout.

Tony Ennion returns too as reserve team manager with Dave Lockett, a familiar face to Albion’s junior teams already, as his right hand man.

Harris added: “The way we do things has been significantly expanded in recent weeks and we need a management team to make it work.

“I’m delighted we’ve put together a group that blends vast experience with young talent.

“Paul has unrivalled contacts in the game, proven already by bringing in Dave, who we know is a quality player and will hopefully develop into a top coach.

“Brian knows the club inside out and will also be taking his first steps into management. Together, I am sure they will make a formidable combination.”

FOR the best coverage of a new chapter in Witton Albion’s history, pick up Wednesday’s Northwich Guardian.

WHAT do you think of Paul Ogden’s appointment as manager? Is the man to take Witton Albion forward from here? What’s your reaction to the way in which chairman Mark Harris has restructured the club? Click on the Add comment tab to let us know your thoughts.

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