Cousins relishing stepping into Wisbech Town hotseat alongside Scott Johnson
Wisbech vs Yaxley - Credit: Archant
Current players Paul Cousins and Scott Johnson have been appointed Wisbech Town’s new joint-managers.
The two experienced defenders have worked alongside Dick Creasey since Steve Appleby quit as manager earlier this month.
Their first game in charge is at home to Newport Pagnell Town tomorrow. (Saturday)
Cousins, 31, joined from March Town in March 2007 and has had stints at Dereham, King’s Lynn, and Wroxham before returning to the Fenmen in January 2012.
Johnson, 36, returned to Wisbech a couple of seasons ago after six years at Soham Town Rangers.
Cousins said: “If I’m honest I had not given much thought to management because I have always wanted to play but the chairman asked Scott and I to take the role and we both felt we had nothing to lose.
“I have 14 years experience at this level and learnt a lot from good managers like Steve Appleby and Gary Setchell.
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“Scott is very experienced as well. We have both picked up a lot of knowledge during our playing careers.
“There is definitely going to be one of us on the touchline during the games unless we are really struggling for players.
“We have played together and are both defenders so we see the game in the same way.”
A statement from the Fenmen’s board of directors said: “We have opted for them because of their loyalty and for continuity in the smooth running of the team.”
Wisbech’s last game under Creasey’s stewardship was a 3-1 home loss to Yaxley on Saturday.
The hosts fell two goals behind before Charlie Butt, on loan from King’s Lynn, pulled one back.
But the visitors put the result beyond doubt in injury time through former Wisbech player Scott Carter.
Cousins said his side needs to adapt to the more physical nature of the United Counties League.
He said: “We have struggled this season. The lads are getting used to a league which is more physical and some of the young players have got bullied in the games.
“We need to bring in a couple of big lads to help us cope with the demands of UCL football.”
Sixth place Wisbech are 10 places above Newport Pagnell Town in the UCL but Cousins expects a tough encounter.
He said: “I have spoken to a few people I know at Splading and Holbeach to get some information about them.
“Like every other side in the league, they will be strong and physical, so it’s up to us to earn the right to play.”