THE PAST IS IN THE PAST FOR BURR AND CELTIC

STEVE BURR says his past success at Stalybridge Celtic counts for nothing as he returns to their dugout – and he’s backing Andy Preece as his Southport replacement.

Just ten days after his controversial sacking by the National League Sandgrounders, Burr was in work again after Celtic axed Paul Phillips.

However, he’s taking over a side deep in the National League North relegation battle and 13 points from safety.

The 57-year-old, who also attracted interest from Hednesford Town and Gainsborough Trinity, says survival isn’t impossible – but knows they need wins quick.

“It’s been a difficult one for Paul Phillips since he took over and the team he inherited,” Burr, who had two and a half years in charge at Bower Fold, said. “I know he’s done his best. They’re not far away, it’s not like they’ve been getting hammered every week.

“People sometimes say you should never go back. Well, during my playing days, I had two spells at Hednesford, I had two spells at Stafford Rangers and I had two spells at Macclesfield.

“This is the first time I’ve gone back to a club I’ve managed before.

“I have a really good relationship with the chairman Rob Gorski, he’s one of the best I’ve worked for. But what I’ve done in the past counts for nothing.

“I have to go there now and get the respect of everybody. It will be by winning games and playing good football. I’d like to think I’ve managed that in most of my career as a manager.

“It’s nice to be back and involved.”

And Burr is pleased to see former Northwich Victoria and Airbus UK boss Preece back in management, settling into his old manager’s chair at Haig Avenue.

“I enjoyed my four months at Southport, as I have enjoyed my time at all my clubs,” he added. “Of course it’s disappointing, but at least I left them in a better position than when I went in.

“Hopefully Andy gets time now he’s taken over because he’s a good lad.

“He’s a good manager and he’s been out of the game for too long.”