Radcliffe Borough’s new assistant manager, Paul McGuire is confident the Evo-Stik Division One strugglers have a good enough squad to get out of the relegation battle.

He said: “We know it’s going to be a real dogfight for the run-in, but I do feel we’ve got enough in the squad to get out of this.”

McGuire, who is also Macclesfield Town Football Club’s community sports trust manager, has taken up a part-time role with Boro to help boss Kevin Glendon get the club back on track.

He said: “I used to play for Radcliffe under Kevin so he’s got me down here helping out to get things on the up.

“I’m quite experienced and I’ve been around this level for a long time. I’m hoping whatever I can produce will add to the squad so that we can stay in this division, because that’s what’s massively important in order to build for next season.”

Boro, who have seen their last two fixtures against fellow strugglers Ossett Albion and Prescot Cables postponed due to waterlogged pitches, will play host to New Mills, on Saturday.

“It’s been disappointing not to be playing but it has given us a chance to get some of the lads back from injury, so in some ways it’s been a blessing in disguise.

“Lambert is back fit so he’ll be able to slip in at left-back, which will strengthen the back line and Dave Sherlock is also back.”

McGuire was able to get a good look at the Boro squad as they beat Hyde Reserves 1-0 in a training match last week. Attacking midfielder Danny White got on the scoresheet for Boro but it was the new lads which former Boro defender, McGuire, was particularly looking at.

“The training match allowed us to have a look at a few people and get a bit of team shape going,” said McGuire.

“We gave Liam Baker, on loan from Macclesfield, a game and allowed him to get integrated with the squad. “We also had a look at a few young lads, with 17-year-old Eliott Rokka having a good run with us. Boro face another stern test at Stainton Park on Saturday with New Mills also struggling at the wrong end of the table.

“They are only a couple of places above us in the league,” said McGuire.

“I think if we can get three points in that game it will set us up nicely for moving forward for the rest of the season.

Boro travel to mid-table Cammell Laird next weekend and McGuire is hoping three points this Saturday will set Boro up nicely for that match.

“A win over New Mills will give us a platform to build on.

“The Lairds are a bit of a tough outfit, so we know that won’t be a walkover.

“We were in a bad shape in our last league outing at Ramsbottom, but now we’re looking strong again.

“The squad is back fit and there is togetherness in the group.

“Even if we get a decent point on the board on Saturday it wouldn’t be a disaster, but I am hopeful for the three points,” said McGuire.