Runcorn Town boss Simon Burton wants top spot ahead of manager of the month awards

Nov 3 2011

NORTH WEST COUNTIES  manager of the month for October, Runcorn Town boss Simon Burton admits he would  sacrifice personal accolades all  year long if it meant his side  could hang on to top spot.

Burton guided Town to six wins out  of seven in October. His side’s only  defeat a shock home loss to lowly  Squires Gate.  The award makes its  way across the town from Runcorn  Linnets’ boss Paul McNally who  scooped the September gong but Burton was selfless when commenting  on the league’s recognition for his  recent achievements.

“Last month we won six and lost  one,” said Burton. “If you start putting runs like that together you’ll be  in there. Paul McNally won it recently so obviously the two Runcorn  sides are doing well. I’m pleased but  it’s more recognition for the lads so  it’s nice for the club. I’d be happy to  go the whole season without winning  anything though and win the league  at the end.”

More good news for Burton came  in the form of injury news at the  Pavilions Sports Complex as Town  look set to welcome back two familiar faces to the squad for Saturday’s top of the table clash with  Bootle. Full-back Darren Kinsey is  available after three weeks out, and  long-term absentee Ian Robinson  should return to the fold to bolster  options in the wide areas, much to  the delight of his manager.

Burton added: “It’s a massive boost  as he (Robinson) was one of our best  players last season. It’s like a new  signing for us. It gives competition to  the lads. We’ve got Charty (Shaun  Chart) and Warren Bellew but it’s  competition for places and it makes  them maintain standards. I just hope  competition for places will keep us  where we are.”

Burton admitted he has no plans to  bring in more players if his current  crop stay fit, but to stay top of the pile,  the boss is counting on a lack of  complacency amongst his charges  ahead of a home fixture with fifth  placed Bootle.

“They’re (Bootle) fourth so they’ve  had a great start to the season themselves,” he added. “They keep  clean sheets and have lads who  can score goals.  For me, it’s all  about us though and winning  our individual battles. Certainly, the next week is big for  us. For me, they are three  games we can win and if we do,  we may see some daylight but I  don’t want complacency from  anyone.”

A ten day period in which  Town will tussle with Bootle,  AFC Liverpool and St Helens  Town looks set to fully test  promotion aspirations as league action takes the focus after last weekend’s comfortable 3-0 win over  Congleton Town in the North West  Counties Challenge Cup. New boys  Tom Spearitt and Shaun Chart slotted into winning ways as Burton’s  selection dilemmas grow.
“Both put in encouraging performances,” added Burton. “Tom  (Spearitt) was solid, he came in an  talked all the way through the game  which we needed. Shaun (Chart) had  a solid game down the right and  scored on his debut which was good  for him. Both are new to the club so  hopefully they settle in and keep  going.”
Town have been drawn away at Maine Road in round three.