FROM the league's most experienced player to its newest manager - that's the daunting task that faces Martin Eatough, Great Harwood Town's new man in the hot seat.

Eatough, 37, has been a semi pro for the past 19 years, and until his move to the Showground, club captain and stalwart of promotion chasing Lancaster City this season.

He has five games to save struggling Great Harwood, who parted company with Mick Higgins three weeks ago, from dropping out of Unibond League Division One.

But the tough tackling centre back, who started his career at the old Great Harwood in the Northern Premier League back in 1977, is a realist.

He said: "I know we have a tough task. We are six points from safety, rooted to the bottom of the table and more than likely we are going to be relegated."

But the born and bred Great Harwood man is looking forward to his first taste of management - starting with Saturday's home clash against high flying Curzon Ashton - and doesn't regret leaving Lancaster.

"I had a great time up there and parted company on very good terms," he said.

"But I know I can't go on playing for ever and I am really looking forward to this new challenge."

He added: "To be honest, I would have liked to have come here three weeks ago so I could have signed a couple of players. But with Lancaster still going for promotion, I didn't want to leave them in the lurch."

On Monday (April 15), Great Harwood play their last home game of the season against Workington (kick off 7.30pm).

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