LEE Ashforth wants the Clitheroe manager’s job on a permanent basis and hopes the positive signs in a weekend defeat to Colwyn Bay can help his cause.

The Blues parted company with Stuart Mellish last week with Ashforth, was No.2 at Shawbridge, stepping up to the top job on a caretaker basis.

His reign opened with a 2-0 home reverse in the Evo-Stik West on Saturday but the boss believes there were signs of progress.

He said: “We are never happy with a defeat but I felt we played quite well and we set up to be more solid and I think we were.

“We need to steady the ship and get the supporters back on side.

“We are a very young team and we are just missing some leadership at certain points to help see games out but I think on other occasions our youthfulness and our ability will help us win games as well.

“I don’t think changing things massively would make things any better, you end up going back to day one of pre-season if you do that.

“We have got some good players here and we want to move forward.

“I am an honest manager and I will be honest with the players and the committee.

“I want the job permanently and it is up to the committee now. I know they are taking their time and allowing people to apply and we will see after that.

“Everyone knows what the situation is and hopefully within the next week or two I can be the permanent manager of Clitheroe which would be a huge honour as it is a great football club.”

Ashforth was in charge of Ossett Town last season before they merged with neighbours Ossett to form Ossett United while he has had 15 years experience at this level across varying positions including time in charge at Harrogate Railway.

And he is now looking forward to a double header against neighbours Ramsbottom, first in the Integro League Cup tomorrow night at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, before the Blues make the same journey on Saturday in the league.

“We will make changes for the cup game.” added Ashforth.

“There have been lads on the bench who have been patient and they deserve a start while some of the others will benefit from coming out of the team.”

Ashforth has strengthened his squad with the capture of forward Aaron Burgess, a player previously on the books of Huddersfield Town, while goalkeeper Cameron Terry has also returned to the club and started against Colwyn Bay last time out.

Meanwhile, Colne are also in cup action. Steve Cunningham’s Reds entertain Kendal Town bidding to bounce back from a first defeat of the season when they lost 2-0 to Runcorn Linnets on Saturday. Colne are fifth in the table. seven points clear of 13th-placed Kendal.