As I approached the front door to the small portakabin-esque offices, a familiar face exited - Steve Burr, Steve is something of a legend in non-league circles having managed: Nuneaton, Hucknall, Northwich Vics and most recently Stalybridge Celtic, I was well and truly up against it, however, Steve hadn't announced his intention to leave Stalybridge and I had this apparent Ace card of this mysterious "mutual acquaintance".
I approached the front desk and was greeted by Ms. Ducket and asked to take a seat, 5 or 10 minutes passed and then I was asked to enter the Chairmans office. Behind a solid oak desk sat the solid frame of Steve Morris, a stocky bloke with thinning grey hair, his looks would suggest a hard demeanour, however, as he rose from his desk to shake my hand he let out a warm smile that showed he was a gentle giant, more than capable of dwarfing even my 6'4" frame.
Just as I was invited to take a seat there was a knock on the door, whoever was outside was beckoned in by Steve's eloquent cry of "Bloody Hell, Come In". Through the door then entered this apparent "mutual acquaintance" and another severe looking man. I came to learn the first man was Andrew Cann, Director of Training and Youth Development, I had never met him in person, just passing conversation as I gave a sales pitch over the phone, we got talking and I used Middlewich as a point of rapport, how he got my address or full name I am still unsure.
The Second man was intent on my downfall before I had even secured the position, he was Chris Sheldon, Assistant Manager, I was on his territory and he didn't like it! | 
