WHILE Jamie Vardy can possibly look forward to making his international debut in upcoming games against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia, a former team-mate is working round the club to turn around their fortunes.

Tom Baker enjoyed success with the striker with FC Halifax Town where they were promoted to the Conference North via the Evo-Stik Premier back in 2012.

The 30-year-old manager said: "It is fantastic for him and it is a great advertisement for non-league football.

"It shows that dreams can come true and it is a one-off but anything is possible.

"It was only three seasons ago when Halifax signed him and I had heard a bit about him before he arrived.

"I thought he had all the tools to keep progressing up the leagues.

"I had some conversations with people saying that I thought he would reach the top."

The new Trafford boss wants to inspire the Shawe View side to similar success in the next couple of seasons.

He said: "I have just retired from the game and as a player I had a really successful career when I was promoted.

"I would not have got involved with a football club if I did not believe I could get success.

"But this is football and nothing is a given, there are a lot of managers out there with similar ambitions and they don't win anything.

"I will be doing everything I can to be a success."

Baker enjoyed meeting fans along with his new assistant boss Chris Denham last week.

He said: "It was great to be at the meet and greet with them.

"All the supporters seemed really positive and they liked what we are expecting from the players this season."

The club have been busy putting together a pre-season programme of matches which involves mouth-watering ties against Chester, Hyde, Oldham and local rivals Altrincham at Shawe View as well as trips to Ashton United and Irlam.

Baker said: "This is the busiest time for football managers because they are trying to talk to players and also speak with the current squad.

"Most players are out there looking for the best deal for them.

"But arranging these fixtures has been great as the home ties are against sides from the leagues above us while Ashton United are my former club and they are in the Evo-Stik Premier."