Steve Walker wants Stratford Town manager's job on a permanent basis

CARETAKER boss Steve Walker says he wants the manager’s job at Stratford Town on a permanent basis.

The 47-year-old took charge of Town for the first time after Darren Byfield’s resignation as they bowed out of the FA Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Alvechurch on Saturday.

Stratford will be considering a number of candidates for the job, but the club’s directors will be handing Walker at least one more game to show what he can do.

The former Coalville Town coach has made no secret of his desire to be given the role permanently, but he knows the only way to achieve his ambition is to get the team back on the winning track.

Asked if staying in charge was what he wanted, Walker said: “I want the job permanently, but the only way for me to get it is to get results.

“It’s not about me though, it’s about the club and us getting a win against Bedworth on Saturday, then we go game-by-game.

“If I get the job, then fantastic, but the most important thing is the club and picking up three points this weekend.”

The club say they have received “significant interest” in the position so far, while emphasising their support for Walker and first-team coach Nathan Marsh.

A club spokesman said: “Our first-team manager position is an attractive proposition for prospective managers and we have received significant interest.

“However, we are fully behind Steve Walker and Nathan Marsh, the caretaker management team, as we approach an important run of league games.”

Saturday’s league game against Bedworth is something of a crunch contest, given both sides’ poor starts to the season.

“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we just want to get the feelgood factor back and we think a win will do that,” Walker added.

Meanwhile, Town's Southern League Premier Central home fixture against Redditch United has been brought forward.

With both sides exiting the FA Cup last Saturday, the clubs have agreed to move the fixture from its original date of Tuesday, 20th November to Saturday, 22nd September (3pm).