NEW Lairds Manager Alex Hay took time out from his preparation for last nights 3-2 away win at Winsford to speak about his arrival at Kirklands as manager.

Alex, clearly relishing his new role, started by discussing the circumstances of his arrival.

He said: "I was absolutely delighted to have been approached by John Lynch about the role.

"It came a bit out of the blue as I had just been released by Colwyn Bay and was exploring a few options that I had for new clubs, including an initial query from Derek Ward about coming back to Lairds as a player.

"Whilst I was reviewing what I was going to do next, John gave me a call and mentioned that the club were looking at evolving the coaching set-up and asked if I would consider moving into management with Lairds as it was known that ultimately I would be looking for a move into coaching.

"Naturally I jumped at the chance. The decision about Derek and Tony Sullivan was of no consequence of my actions - indeed I’ve spoken to Derek since my appointment to get some information from him about the squad."

He added: "I was asked as soon as I accepted the role who I would like to bring in and immediately I thought about getting Kenny Irons in.

"I was aware that he had gained a growing reputation working with the Tranmere Rovers U16’s and the Liverpool schoolboys team and knowing him from my Tranmere days I was keen to get him on board as soon as possible.

"We will also have Warwick Rimmer joining the coaching staff shortly, also from Tranmere Rovers.

"He has a wealth of experience so he too will really boost our training capacity and output.

"Questions have been asked about the playing squad and that’s only natural considering I was part of the same playing squad until the summer.

"But it won’t be an issue, everyone has a clean slate and the task required is clear.

"We're needing to re-assess and make a push for the play-offs and the players won’t be liking their team sitting just above the relegation area, that’s for sure.

"I know most of the lads plus Derek brought in a few lately as well. We also have a number of promising reserves from Steve Platt’s side so I want to have a look at them as well.

"Everyone will get their chance though and whilst I do have in mind some players I would like to bring in to the club, the current players are very capable of winning games in this division.

"This division is one that I have a certain amount of knowledge of but I've asked some other managers for information.

"Looking at the bigger picture, it’s one that given the capabilities that we have within this club, we should be doing a lot better.

"My main aim is to get the players to concentrate on their own game and myself, Kenny and Warwick will assess the training methods.

"We are looking for short term progress with mid-term aims for achievement but while there is technically no pressure on me at the moment from the club's board, there is intense pressure that we as coaches have put upon ourselves to get things moving ahead."