DESPITE being unable to make a winning start to his Radcliffe Borough managerial rein, chairman Bernard Manning Jnr believes new boss Danny Johnson is the right man for the Stainton Park job.

The former Nantwich Town manager became the third coach in two weeks to take charge of the Evo-Stik Division One North strugglers on Tuesday night as they crashed out of the Manchester Premier Cup 3-2 to Premier division high-flyers Curzon Ashton, just hours after replacing Bill Prendergast at the helm.

The former Crewe Alexandra academy director left Boro by mutual consent less than a fortnight after replacing Paul McGuire, with Manning Jnr citing a difference in management styles for the u-turn.

“I really liked some of Bill’s ideas and I found him very innovative,” he told the Radcliffe Times.

“He had a brand new way of looking at things. He specialises in youth development and felt he could bring that into a non-league club and play the whole team with youth players.

“It could have worked out really nicely but I just felt it was a bit risky for me and the club.

“I apologise to Bill for my decision and wish him all the best for the future.”

The Boro chairman moved quickly to appoint former Ashton United chief Johnson after his successful year-long spell at the Dabbers.

The 38-year-old is joined at Stainton Park by ex-Trafford assistant manager Wayne Goodison and Manning Jnr is now backing the duo, who both departed the Weaver Stadium last week, to turn around the Stainton Park club’s fortune.

“What I have done is go back to the old management style in Danny and Wayne who have done it for years and years, and I feel more comfortable with that going forward.

“Danny is absolutely the right man for the job. He’s a successful manager and is tried and tested at this level. He’s the sort of manager I think this football club needs,” he said.

“He’s a busy boy and has got incredible contacts. I know players will come to this football club now because of Danny.”

Following their disappointing, if not unexpected defeat at home to Premier side Curzon Ashton in the cup, Boro, who are nine points above the relegation zone, travel to seventh-placed Spennymoor Town on Saturday looking for their first away win of the season.

“The lads did really well against Curzon,” said Manning Jnr.

“They didn’t let themselves down. They held their own and 3-2 is a respectable scoreline against a top side in the division above. The enthusiasm was great and Danny was pleased with what he saw.

“We’ve got some really tough games coming up. I’m not expecting miracles but hopefully we will get the odd result to keep us in this league.”