We won’t go down says Mac

PAUL McNally is adamant Skelmersdale United will not be relegated despite concern over the youthfulness of his squad.

McNally lost club captain Phil Mooney to Widnes Town last week in a further blow to his defence.

The centre-back was named supporters’ player of the season during the past two campaigns as well as lifting the players’ player of the season award last term.

“Phil Mooney and Tom Molyneux were suspended recently and I think the average age of my defence was 19!” the manager said before the skipper’s departure.

“It’s tough to play in defence in the Evo-Stik at 17, 18, 19.

“You’re up against ex-pros and some really tough customers.

“It’s all well and good having [youth] but if you want young players it’s probably in the forward areas.”

The former Litherland REMYCA manager refused to point the finger at former manager Dave Powell but admitted further reinforcements will be necessary as he bids to climb the table.

Skelmersdale are currently bottom of the Evo-Stik West after a tough start to the campaign with Saturday’s game at Colne postponed at half-time due to a waterlogged pitch.

“I don’t anticipate being in this situation at the end of the season so I’m trying to remedy it as quickly as possible by bringing players in and maybe adapting how we play,” McNally added.

“I wouldn’t like to blame the previous manager.

“It’s tough the position we’re in and there are some players who maybe aren’t ready.

“It’s not their fault either. It’s a slow process.”

McNally did reveal his admiration for midfielder Tom Molyneux, however, after naming the former Everton U18s captain as skipper in place of Mooney at the weekend.

“Tom’s a really good player,” he said.

“I like Tom. Straight away, as soon as I’ve come in, I’ve seen his talent”.