KNUTSFORD’S next management team will be given time to build a side capable of delivering further success.

That’s the message from Jimmy Evans to Jordan Gunter and Jamie Mottershead, who have been appointed as successors to Scott Dignan following his resignation.

Both are former Reds players.

“I was surprised when they stepped forward,” said Evans.

“But once they’d shown their hand, they became clear favourites.

“They know the club inside out, and are well-respected and liked by the players and supporters.

“We’re entering a new era, and they’ll likely need to replace guys that will move on.

“They’ll be given every opportunity to do exactly that.”

Gunter, with support from Dave Mullins and Andy Potts, was in charge of Knutsford’s second team last season when they successfully defended the Cheshire League Reserves Division title.

He had been Mottershead’s number two during the previous campaign when Reds claimed the Reserve League One crown for the first time.

They plan to manage the first-team jointly, according to Evans.

He said: “There’s work to do, and conversations to be had with the lads that were here last season.

“They’ll be in demand, but that’s no surprise following the year we’ve just had.

“We’ll lose some, we know that.

“But we won’t be setting targets, and never have done.

“It’s a big step up for both of them, particularly Jordan who hasn’t been involved so much at this level.

“Jamie has, and played higher up the pyramid too, and they’ll have ideas as to how they want to proceed.

“We’ll be patient, and the only expectation is they turn out a side that plays the brand of football our supporters like and are used to.”

Reds finished a huge 21 points clear of second-placed Malpas to win a fourth Cheshire League Premier Division title in seven years last time out.

They also lifted the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup for the first time in the club’s history following a win over Vauxhall Motors in the final.

After an application from four teams in the top-flight to join the North West Counties League was accepted, Knutsford’s rivals next term will be unfamiliar.

Evans added: “We just don’t know how things will work out.

“The sides that have left are strong, and ones you’d usually see in the table’s top-half.

“I’m sure everybody expects us and Whaley Bridge to be the ones to beat, but that might not necessarily be the case.”