MEET the new boss, same as the old boss?

Maybe not quite, but while Mark Beesley aims to stamp his own mark on the Warrington Town manager’s job, he says there is no need for “massive changes.”

Yellows are looking to move forward after the loss of long-serving boss Paul Carden, whose departure to take over at National League North strugglers AFC Telford United was confirmed on Sunday.

In response, Town were quick to confirm Beesley – an integral part of the set-up over the past five years as assistant manager – as his successor on an 18-month deal.

With the playing squad strong, settled and in good form, it is a move that seeks to maintain the status quo and minimise the potentially destructive impact of Carden’s departure.

But as he steps up from number two to number one, what – if anything – will Beesley look to do differently?

Mark Beesley on the touchline during the 2019-20 season. Picture by John Hopkins

Mark Beesley on the touchline during the 2019-20 season. Picture by John Hopkins

“At the moment, I think there will be slight changes,” he said.

“There will be bits and pieces and I’ll put my own stamp on it, but there isn’t a need for massive changes.

“There will be things that Paul did differently but at the moment, I’m happy to just get going.

“The players have been very supportive. I think clarity is what we were after – they look around the club and they’re happy.

“Players want to be in a happy environment and the happier the environment, the better they will perform.

“When you get promoted from assistant to manager, it’s important that you have the players’ respect and they see you can lead.

“I’m more than capable of leading and I feel like I have the respect of the dressing room.

“With the conversations I’ve had with the lads, they’re really pleased. They see what we’re trying to do and they want to continue being part of it.”

Town’s new era begins with an FA Trophy clash as Morpeth Town visit Cantilever Park for a second-round clash on Saturday.

The club are believed to be in negotiations to bring in a new assistant manager and aim to make an appointment before Saturday’s game.

While there is no doubt a sadness about Carden’s departure, Beesley insists it’s time to move on.

“It’s been a difficult week,” he said.

“Usually when a manager leaves a club, there’s plenty of people happy but this was a unique situation.

“Not one person – players, staff members, supporters – wanted Paul to leave.

“Me being one of his best mates, I’m absolutely made up for him that he’s made this next step in his career, but its tinged with sadness as I wanted us to carry on working together.

“We’ve built something here and we need to push it on and that’s what I’m aiming to do.”