ALTRINCHAM FC's new manager Mark Ward insists that failure is not an option as he tries to achieve a hat-trick of promotions.

The 37 year-old was on the brink of signing up for at least another term as assistant manager at Leigh RMI, who are passing relegated Altrincham, in the opposite direction.

But he found the offer of a return to Altrincham - the team he helped to promotion last year - and his first ever managerial position too good to turn down.

Although the club's directors decided not to advertise the position, they still received numerous written and verbal applications and it quickly boiled down to a two horse race.

Ward beat off competition from a very strong internal candidate to land the job, and brings with him experience as an assistant manager at Birmingham City and Leigh RMI.

"I'm very excited about what's happening here. Both the board and the supporters are very positive and I can't think of a better club to set out on my managerial career," he said.

"With there being only one promotion place in the very physical Unibond League, there is no room for failure.

"I don't think I've ever needed as many stitches in my shins as I have done while playing in the Unibond."

Ward insists he will place greatest emphasis on two key aspects - fitness and commitment.

"No team I'm in charge of is ever going to fail on fitness. It is one of the most important aspects."

He added, "Also, I'm speaking to all the players one by one to let them know what I want from them. I need to know they will be giving 110% for Altrincham, because I'll be giving 120%."

"At the end of the day, it's going to be hard work, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Ward maintains he has had numerous calls from players looking to sign for the club and has a number of other players in mind.

Ward's appointment has certainly restored the smile to deputy chairman Mark Harris' face.

Harris, who by his own admission felt close to quitting the club said, "The important thing now is that not only does the club have a crystal clear objective, it also has the opportunity to unite behind a man who will strive to achieve it.

"When you look at managers such as Sammy McIlroy and Jan Molby, the old adage that league experience is no use in non-league managers is somewhat disproved."

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