ASSISTANT Danny Caldecott has stepped up as the new manager of Trafford FC after the departure of boss Tom Baker.

The 35-year-old spent five years at the helm in his first managerial job, leading the cup to the Integro League Cup in 2019.

When the current season was curtailed due to Covid-19, Trafford were ninth in the NPL North West Division and had reached the final of the Manchester Premier Cup.

Baker, a former midfielder, had a distinguished playing career which included spells as captain of Chorley and Halifax but was forced to retire aged 30 due to injury.

He also led Trafford to the play-offs in the 2017/18 campaign and a Manchester Premier Cup Final appearance in the same season.

Baker cited personal reasons for his departure with the club moving swiftly to promote Caldecott.

"I can honestly say nobody was more shocked than myself," he told the club website.

"The gaffer called me round for a meeting and told me of his decision to step down which completely knocked me for six, but after being with him and listening to his reasons I knew he was clear in his mind and I fully respected his decision.

"I’ve been lucky to have worked with Tom now for five years, known him a lot longer but never had as close a relationship as we do now.

"He is his own man and that is something I hugely admire about him.

"As discussions advanced it was clear what he wanted for me and that was to have an opportunity to be the manager.

"I just want to thank the gaffer for allowing me firstly an opportunity to play for this brilliant football club, but secondly and most importantly the chance to work with him as it’s turned out to be an amazing five years."

Caldecott revealed he had no hesitation in stepping up when given the chance to do so.

"It all happened on the same day – Tom resigned and I had a call from the chairman," he said.

"Before John (Eadie) could even finish his sentence I was repeating “yes, yes yes” in my head. I didn’t think twice.

"I accepted the opportunity straight away and now I cannot wait to get started."

Given the ongoing uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic it remains to be seen when that will be.

"We will start training when we have more of an idea of the league's plans for the season to start," he added.