New Seagulls boss promises attractive playing style

WESTON Football Club's new manager Craig Laird has pledged to bring an attractive style of play to the club and get the town behind the team.

The 46-year-old joined the club today from Bridgwater Town and says he wants to mould a Seagulls squad that plays with honesty and pride to win games.

His words will boost Seagulls fans, who have endured a terrible season that included a five-month run-in without a win and ended in a relegation zone finish in the Conference South.

Laird said: "I want to coach and manage at the highest level I can and work with good and honest players.

"I want players who will represent Weston in the best possible way - by playing with pride in the badge.

"I want to introduce a brand of football that people will want to watch."

Laird, a father-of-four who is a systems engineer by day, took his former club to within six minutes of play-off glory in the Zamaretto South and West league last season.

He was The Robins' boss for four years after previously managing their reserve side, as well as coaching Plymouth Argyle's youngsters and setting up their satellite youth coaching centres in Somerset.

During his time in charge, he says the club's attendances increased from 150 to more than 300, with about 1,000 showing up for the play-off final against Cirencester.

Laird replaces Andy Gurney, who was sacked after 17 months in charge two games from the end of the past season.

The Seagulls finished second to bottom in the league, but may be given a reprieve from relegation at the Conference AGM on June 12.

And Laird is hopeful the side will start next season in the same division as last term.

He said: "At the moment we're gearing up for the Zamaretto league, but there's still a chance we could be in the Conference.

"Whichever league we are in next season, we're aiming to consolidate our position and build for the future."

Seagulls secretary Richard Sloane said the club had more than 20 applications, including from former Championship footballers, but Laird's record with young players set him apart from the competition.

Sloane said: "He's had a lot of experience with Plymouth Argyle youth players and has good contacts in youth football and that's the future for us.

"You need a blend of youth and experience and that's what Craig can bring.