Watts back in Shirebrook hot seat

Watts was sacked by the club almost a year ago in October 2013 after six games without a win, having taken over that May.

Danny Bacon has been holding the reins as caretaker manager this season since the resignation of Mark Camm the end of August.

But former Luton, Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester defender Watts was this week unveiled as the new manager and said: “Firstly I would just like to say I am absolutely delighted to be back in the hot seat at Shirebrook Town and can not wait to meet the lads and get started.

“It was a good performance and result on Saturday and we need to follow that up so we can start to catch the teams above us. I bring with me Ady Smith as my assistant, who last season headed a very successful league winning campaign with Rainworth Reserves.

“Ady’s proven knowledge of young local talent will certainly put the clubs future in good stead.”

He added: “Right from the off I have had to make some difficult decisions, as we already have three new signings who I know will make an impact.

“We welcome back Joe McCormack and top goalscorer from last season Aaron Moxam. I have also signed Liam Morris a player who I have worked with before, like Aaron and Kieron Watson is prolific at this level.

“These signings along with the current squad give us every opportunity to start climbing the league and bring back a brand of football that the supporters will enjoy.”

Immediately last weekend the club marked his return with a first win of the season, 3-0 against Winterton Rangers.

And they followed that up on Tuesday night with an identical scoreline away to Knaresborough.

New signings Moxam and McCormack were in the starting XI with Morris on the bench.

Shirebrook started the game a bit nervy but gradually came into it.

Kieron Watson and Aaron Moxam both had chances to put them in the lead, and their good football eventually paid off in the 42nd minute when Kieron Watson beat the keeper to take Shirebrook 1-0 in at half-time.

Shirebrook were on top with Knaresborough never looking a threat, and on the 62nd minute Ricky Hanson doubled the lead with a superb strike.

Shirebrook continued to hold onto the ball and create chances and Jamie York completed the scoring on the 90th minute.