TRAFFORD FC'S new manager Tom Baker has already started work preparing for the new season to bounce back after relegation from the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Following a week of interviews involving some extremely high profile individuals, the 30-year-old was appointed to take over the reins from the recently departed Graham Heathcote.

Club directors were tremendously impressed with his passion for the game, enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of the non-league scene.

Barker was delighted about moving to Shawe View.

He said: "It is a fantastic opportunity for me to make my first steps into management and it is something I have always thought about it when coming to the end of my career and I want to thank the chairman and committee for giving me the chance.

"Trafford had a difficult season being relegated and a lot of the players left throughout the season but hopefully with me coming in quite a few will stay on and I would like to bring in a few more.

"I went to work from Saturday when I was appointed but it is not something that is going to done within a week or a couple of weeks.

"In Non-League it is not a quick process, I have contacts and want to get a few new faces in."

Baker enjoyed an illustrious playing career having signed for Barnsley in 2001.

He then signed a full time contract with Scarborough in 2005 but left the club following a succession of injuries.

He then enjoyed a good deal of success at Bradford Park Avenue and Halifax Town before moving to Chorley under the management of Gary Flitcroft in 2012.

Baker was a key component of Chorley’s Evo-Stik Premier Division Championship winning team but once again he was hampered by injury and after a 15-month battle to regain full fitness, he was forced to retire from playing.

Baker has high hopes for Trafford.

He said: "We want to bounce back from the relegation.

"Trafford are a big club and I played there a few times.

"I want to do things the right way and also want success too."