EXPERIENCED former Altrincham boss Graham Heathcote has been appointed as the new Trafford manager following the departure of Garry Vaughan.

In a week of change at Shawe View, the 61-year-old takes the reins following Vaughan's resignation after five years at the helm.

Vaughan and assistant Wayne Goodison leave after a spell which saw them steer Trafford to their highest ever level in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

But with just one home win in the league so far this campaign, the side has slipped into the relegation danger zone and both the club and Vaughan felt a change was needed.

Heathcote is determined to steer the club to safety and says they have 19 'cup finals' to save their season.

And after his own successful spell at Moss Lane when he led Altrincham to the Conference Premier in 2005, he will hope his experience can turn fortunes around.

New man Heathcote and his assistant Chris Adams met his players on Tuesday night and told SUM: "I'm delighted to be involved at Trafford – a wonderful club I've known well since its inception.

"My brothers are involved here and I know many of the people at the club well.

"Unfortunately, Trafford found themselves in a difficult predicament and took the decision to make a change.

"I fully appreciate how Garry and Wayne are feeling and I've been there myself, but the bigger picture is keeping Trafford playing in the Premier Division.

"We need unity, starting with a game against a very good Blyth Spartans at home.

"I'll gel some of the existing players with new blood but we have 19 cup finals.

"We need to win 50 per cent of those games to stay up and we need the people of Urmston, Flixton, Davyhulme – and Trafford fans everywhere – to come and support us and get behind their local team.

"We want to stay in this league."

Heathcote's reign begins with a home clash against FA Cup giantkillers Blyth Spartans on Saturday, kick off 3pm.