CLITHEROE'S new boss Lee Sculpher is enjoying being the gaffer at the moment - as long as his side keep winning.

The 31-year-old took over following Dave Burgess's shock resignation last week and has so far chalked up two wins.

He aims to make it a hat-trick when his side make the trip to Newcastle Town tomorrow in the NWCL Division One.

"No one was more shocked than me when David said he was leaving," said the Blues chief who has been the assistant manager for the last 18 months at Shawbridge.

"I spent about two hours trying to persuade him to stay. I've been his assistant and had always thought about being Clitheroe manager but thought it would be at least two or three years down the line.

"But you never know when another chance would come up like this so I had to seize it."

And he knows the former boss, who resigned because of work commitments, will be missed.

"There is no doubt that David will be missed here. He gave a lot to the job. He has a great personality, is very bubbly but I'm sure he intends to come down to some games to keep in touch with the lads."

After an indifferent start to the season, Clitheroe have won four of their last five games and aim to go one better than the runners-up spot they finished in last season. So no pressure on the new man.

"No pressure at all," he laughed. "I am hoping to carry on the work started by Steve Parry, Dave Burgess carried it on last season and I would like to continue it.

"I've worked with the players long enough as assistant and I am sure they will respect me.

"Now the difference is I have to pick the team. I don't fancy telling Mark Stewart - otherwise known as pyscho - if he's dropped. And I may have to drop myself. It could be tricky!"

Sculpher aims to appoint an assistant in the next week although John Hosty is giving him a helping hand at the moment.