"I had to go for it!" Horncastle Town boss Mickey Stones welcomes arrival of joint-manager Allan Ross... as Erik Rawdon takes on reserve team role at The Wong

Horncastle Town boss Mickey Stones believes the Wongers have made two signings which can help the club achieve their ambitions.

Allan Ross has returned to The Wong as joint manager, while Erik Rawdon will take over as reserve team boss.

Ross spent time with Town as a player and coach under Glen Maddison, where he played alongside Stones, Nathan Rawdon, John Rawdon and Steve Lovett, who he will join on the current management team.

He was also Maddison’s assistant at Sleaford Town and, working alongside Ian Dunn, helped guide Pinchbeck United to the United Counties League Premier Division.

“Allan’s a great bloke and, football-wise, we’ve always jokingly said ‘you should come back to Horncastle’,” Stones told The News.

“When it became an realistic opportunity this summer, and we knew he was looking for a new challenge, I had to go for it.

“It’s the best thing for the club to get someone of Allan’s calibre in to progress the club even further. He’s not just a coach, he's a very good man manager as well.”

Stones is adamant that Ross can fit seamlessly into the club’s management structure.

He continued: “He’s someone I’ve personally known since we were 16, since we started playing under 18s county schools football together.

“We got on really well then and it wasn’t long after that he went to Horncastle. He was one of Glen’s players he brought in from the Boston area and he was a great lad who fitted in straight away.

“Unfortunately, he got a bad injury on his knee. He liked Horncastle and had an interest in coaching, so he stayed around as part of that successful era with Glen when we won four cups and finished third two seasons on the trot.”

While Ross’ contacts in the game may aid recruitment, Stones believes the squad doesn’t need much tweaking.

He said: “Last year was probably the best squad we’ve had since I was at the club. We’re only losing, as far as I’m aware, one player. Jonathan Timmins is going to university.

“I’ve said to Bro (Ross’ nickname) the base is there, he probably just needs as car school to travel with him and that’d be enough in our opinion. We only want players who will improve us.

"We want the right player as we’ve got a good feeling around the club at the moment. The players get on.

“I fully trust that if players are willing to follow Allan then they’re the right player. We’ve had people get in touch with us as well, because they know it’s a well-run club. Potentially we’ve got the chance to have a good go next season.”

Stones also welcomed the arrival of Erik Rawdon, brother of coach John. He will take over from Liam Smith, who wants to concentrate on playing.

“It’s great news for the club,” Stones said.

“We couldn’t believe our luck when Erik said he was serious about taking the job, because of the experience he’s got in football.

“In his day to day work hes a Sergeant major in the Army, like his brother. He’s another one with great enthusiasm.

“We’ve got a great relationship and we want to link the reserves and first team more.

“We’re hoping that, if the first team are to progress, then the reserves need to progress as well. They need tom at least get into that Boston Premier Division.

“Erik has managerial experience in Cyprus and in the Army as well. I’m sure he’ll do wonders with the young lads we’ve got in the town as well. There are good young players who can progress into the first team."