Eagles head coach Lee Duxbury is looking forward to his new role but admits that it will take time for him to get to grips with the task ahead.

Duxbury’s last job was as assistant to Paul Dickov at League One Oldham
Athletic and before that his playing days were mainly spent at Latics, Bradford City and Huddesfield Town.

“Since the age of 12 I have been involved in professional football and I’m 43 now so that is a long time,” said Duxbury.

“Of course I’m looking forward to working at Eccles-hill but it will be something really different for me.

“I am going to have to rely on some people already at the club and a few good friends who know a lot more about non-league than I do until I get my feet under the table.”

Duxbury is not a complete non-league novice.

He finished his playing career at Farsley Celtic after being signed by his good friend and former team mate Lee Sinnott, who was manager at Throstle Nest at the time.

Despite his limited inv-olvement in the semi-pro game, especially the lower reaches where the Eagles currently play their football, Duxbury feels he has the perfect qualifications.

He will also be working with the Richmond Inter-national Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA), which is headed by Dave Baldwin and Mark Ellis.

“I like managing teams and I get a lot of satisfaction from coaching players and developing them,” said Duxbury.

“I’m looking forward to working with the American (RIASA) lads and we want them to be a big part of the Eccleshill squad.

“But I also want it to remain a local club with a lot Bradford lads getting the opportunity to play for the Eccleshill and even progress.

“It seems as though I have a lot on my plate but that’s what makes this opportunity so exciting.

Regarding Eccleshill, I will be working closely with Dave Poole, who is the reserve-team manager and has a lot of contacts.

“Dave will look after me and I can always turn to Mega (Ellis) because he knows all about the local players.

“Chris Reape, who used to manage Silsden, has helped me already.

“I’ve known Chris since we were five years old, so he is close to me, and most of my mates play non-league so I won’t be short of advice.

“I’ll probably get too much so it will be up to me to sort it out!”