Ron Atkinson landed one of the biggest jobs in football, sadly to depart two hours later.

Big Ron, the former Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa and Manchester United manager, spent the afternoon coaching the Skipton and Silsden ladies' football team.

The girls' team was selected from over 300 applicants who entered the Vauxhall World Cup Competition - 'Win a Manager for a Day'.

Ron flew back from Barbados to put the team through their paces, giving them advice for improvements and success.

And Ron, one of the sport's most colourful and popular characters, said: "The girls are smashing. They have a good attitude and are all keen. I knew there were a few good players and some who hadn't played before, although this wasn't apparent from the skill shown today."

Ron even signed a contract of employment on arrival at the Silsden AFC training ground for the position of Manager/Coach. His weekly wage was to be as much beer and sandwiches as he could consume at the local pub. When asked about the future, Ron said: "After this I am going to France for five weeks with ITV for the World Cup. We will have to see after that."

Skipton and Silsden Ladies were entered into the competition be Cowling Vauxhall dealer Walter Brigg. They were chosen as winners because women's football is growing in popularity. The team is now preparing to move into the Yorkshire Women's League Division 5.

Club Secretary Peter Hanson told us: "It is the equivalent of moving to the Premiership without going through the divisions. It is a huge step for the girls and Ron has given them a fantastic boost. Hopefully he will pop back once or twice in the future."

Silsden's player coach Sara Raine, 24, who started the team in September, was full of praise for Ron. "He's given us a lot of ideas and shown us how to keep the girls motivated. It's given us an enormous buzz.

"Ron has got involved with the girls, not just stood on the sidelines, because it is women's football. He has taught us a few new drills and how to organise ourselves. He has worked us really hard."

Twenty-year-old Louise Hall, who won £1.2 million on the National Lottery in February, added: "Ron has motivated us, and shown us how to pass the ball better. I realise now just how hard professional footballers work - I thought it was easy before."

However, Louise admitted: "Ron asked me if there was any money available for new players, and I told him there was - but only to spend on talent like Ryan Giggs, Jamie Rednapp and David Ginola."

Jodie Bray was forced sadly to sit on the sidelines after breaking her arm two weeks ago. She agreed: "I have been listening to Ron's tips and can see a difference in the training methods. He has worked them hard and cheered them up."

overall, the players, the spectators who came along to watch and Ron himself enjoyed the session. After all, it's not every day a top Premiership manager comes to coach the local team.

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