JOE Gibbons has promised to make wholesale changes to the Radcliffe Borough team and backroom set-up in the summer after his first game in permanent charge ended in a 5-1 home defeat.

The former assistant manager was handed the position on a temporary basis in February after replacing previous manager Bill Prendergast, but he was named full-time boss last Thursday.

Rather than inspire the team to end the season on a high against Prescot Cables on Saturday, his appointment had the opposite effect.

“We got beat by a team that just wanted it more than us on the day,” he said, after Prescot moved above Boro in Evo-Stik First Division North, leaving them third bottom.

“Our players treated it like a meaningless end-of-season game, but they (Prescot) didn’t.

“Only a handful of our players really looked like they were trying, and we got what we deserved.

“I know what I need to do in the summer to fix it.

“I know who needs to be brought in, both the coaching and playing staff, and where I want to take the club.

“It’s not really been possible to make those kinds of changes after taking over so close to the end of the season. But, thankfully, the owners and chairman have backed me and share my ambition. And they will see a team next season with the right mindset to take this club forward.”

Gibbons believes he was not the only name in the frame, so was pleased to get the nod before training last Thursday.

Chairman Paul Hilton said: “Following a series of meetings it was clear to the board that Joe has the ability and qualities that we are looking for in a manager.

“We have had the pleasure of getting to know him over the last few months and we are confident he will take the club forward in a way that aligns with our vision and plan for development on and off the field.”