Washington’s new boss Richie Latimer says that he has always wanted to be a manager in his own right.

Latimer was appointed the club’s new manager today following a wretched season, in which there were major doubts over the club’s future, and after the manager and several players departed, they endured a dreadful run of form that saw them win only once in the league after Christmas.

“I’m really looking forward to the job,” said Latimer, who is bringing in Nicky Evans and John Lydon to help him.

“Being a manager in the Northern League is what I’ve always wanted. I’ve learned a lot from being a number two at Birtley, and I feel that I’m ready to make the step up.

“I was a player at Washington for a few seasons, so I know the committee well, and they’re a good friendly club to start management with.

“The club has sorted its future out, and there will be some good players coming along.”

One of the priorities will be to increase attendances at the club, which now plays its home games at the Nissan car factory after agreeing a deal with the sports club there.

“The club had poor attendances last season, and so we’ll be trying to attract more people to games. We need to raise the club’s profile.”

Latimer has arranged three home pre season friendlies against first division clubs – against Jarrow Roofing on July 6th, West Auckland on July 9th and Whitley bay on August 2nd.