With assistant manager Matty Kay taking a step back for the 2018/19 season, Irlam FC manager Michael Dodd has acted quickly to reshuffle and make additions to his first team backroom staff for the upcoming campaign.

Wayne Burgess will move into the assistant manager's position, whilst Joe Duckett will progress from his coaching role with the successful U21s team at the club, to become the first team coach.

In addition to this, Chris Boland will continue in his goalkeeping coach role whilst Adam Carroll remains as the first team physiotherapist. With Danny Butters also continuing to assist the group for the forthcoming season, Dodd is happy with how things look both on and off the pitch.

"I am delighted to move Wayne into the assistant managers position; he is someone who I trust greatly and it was a no-brainer after Matty Kay signalled his intentions to step back and support from afar, helping him to spend a bit more time with his family. I do have to thank Matty greatly for his help and assistance dating back 6 seasons now, since our time in the reserves. Wayne built important relationships with the squad last season and we are now well placed to move forward."

"Joe Duckett is a brilliant young coach and it's great news that he is able to step up with us this season. He lives and breathes football and will bring new enthusiasm and ideas to the group. I was given my opportunity in the first team as a young coach by Steve Nixon and I'm glad to now be able to give Joe a similar opportunity."

"I'm also made up that Chris, Adam and Danny are staying on board and are more determined than ever to contribute to our success going forward. We are all looking forward to the season ahead."