STRIKER Tim Langford will cut his teeth in management at Stourport Swifts after a shock U-turn by Brendan Hackett.

Swifts' players were expecting to be led by former Worcester City midfielder Hackett with Langford as his assistant this week.

But Hackett announced a surprise switch to join Rod Brown and Gary Whild at Redditch United after Saturday's 2-1 Dr Martens League Western Division defeat at Atherstone.

Langford has been appointed until the end of the season and will name his own backroom staff, though veteran defender Jan Mulders could be one assistant.

The ex-Wycombe and Telford hot-shot, who was also on loan at Kidderminster Harriers, has a big first game with the FA Trophy second round visit of Bishop Auckland on Saturday.

Chairman Chris Reynolds explained: "We had meetings with the players and thought this was the right thing for the club.

"They are a great set of lads who all want to play for Stourport. If a manager comes in from outside, he will have his favourites and people he wants to bring in.

"Tim really wanted to do the job and all the players from what we can gather see it that way too.

"He knows a lot of people in the game and his enthusiasm will carry him through.

"He's been a good player and still is but wants to concentrate on managing and will only play if we are short."

However, Swifts are struggling for numbers for the Bishop Auckland game with defenders David Davies and Asa Charlton suspended though Adam Nicholls returns after a ban.

Quentin Townsend (calf), Adrian Cooper (ankle) and the returning Tim Nicholls (dead leg) are among the injured who may be pressed into action.

Swifts acted quickly in time for Tuesday's hard-fought clash with Halesowen Town who scored a late goal to grab a 3-2 win.

Defender Nigel Laker was brought out of retirement but is not available for the weekend, while Anthony Davies and Jamie Hart are both back at the club along with T Nicholls.

And Reynolds had only praise, declaring: "The players worked their hearts out on Tuesday which is just what we needed at this stage.

"If they keep playing like that, we will be flying. When everyone is fit and back from suspension, we have a very good squad that can take on anybody in our league."

But Reynolds admitted he was shocked by Hackett's departure.

He admitted: "I had announced Brendan would be manager to all the players which makes you look a bit silly. I really don't know what his thinking is.

"It was a big shock to me as I didn't even have a phone call from the player. Someone else told me he was going to Redditch.

"Now we have a big game against Bishop Auckland. It will be a hard task as they play in the Unibond Premier Division.

"If we get anything out of it, we will have done well but it could be a backs-to-the-wall job."

If a replay is required, Swifts would make the long trip north on Wednesday night (7.45pm).

l Swifts round-up - Page 87.