SKIPPER for the past two seasons, veteran defender Steve 'Blackie' Blackford is the new player/manager of Costcutter League champions Cardigan Town.

And already the new boss, who succeeds the most successful manager in the club's long history Seamus Doherty, is strengthening for next season with early indications pointing to the Magpies being a force to be reckoned with again.

Welcoming the development club stalwart and main sponsor Robert Davies of Robert Davies Motors told the Tivy-Side: "We are absolutely delighted to have Blackie in charge and if as expected half a dozen or so players confirm their intentions to join then I'm confident over the future."

The new boss is confronted by the departure of goalkeeper Casey Walters to Goodwick United in the Pembrokeshire League and striker John Lumb who is switching to the oval ball code with Newcastle Emlyn.

The affable Blackford said: "I was not keen on becoming manager but the club has been struggling to replace Seamus so I'll give it a go.

"I don't want to say anything about new players at this stage but it appears we will have a young, talented squad and I'm looking forward to the season," he said.

Training at King George V Playing Field is on Monday and Thursday at 6.30pm when a warm welcome is extended to old and new players.