PATRICK McGuire, manager at Thackley, has heaped praise on his former coaching counterpart Rizwan Mohammed after his decision to take on the Albion Sports managerial role.

Last week, Mohammed replaced joint bosses Ishy Hussain and Danny Brown who left following nine consecutive league defeats with the Bradford side.

The new Albion chief was until recently helping McGuire at Thackley as first team coach after breaking into the set-up after a spell as under 19's boss.

He will be joined at the helm by Aran Basi as player/coach.The defender is of course well known in Non League circles and has had several spells with Albion.

Following his departure from Thackley, McGuire was quick to congratulate his former colleague on his step up to management.

He said: “Riz came on board a couple of years ago as first team coach and did a great job working alongside us.

"He's obviously got the opportunity now at Albion and it's thoroughly deserved. It's a brilliant opportunity for him and I wish him all the best."

McGuire added: "I think what Riz will help bring stability to Albion. It was also give Albion the chance to get back to their roots and foundations within the club, and I think that's what they were intending to do when looking for a managerial replacement.

"Riz is someone who wants to climb the coaching ladder, and because of that I think it is the perfect role for him."

Thackley return to action this Saturday when they travel to Goole (3:00 PM), and they will be on the hunt for their first victory in six in the league.

A win would ease the pressure for the Bradford side given their position (15th) in the league standings.

Goole sit in 14th but do have two games in hand on their opposition and McGuire has stressed the importance of his side picking up some valuable points.

He said: "The performances haven't been bad in recent weeks, but we've just not been able to get over the line with the results.

"And because of that, we have put ourselves in a predicament where we are looking behind our shoulders rather than ahead. The victories will come if we continue playing like we have been, but we must be patient.

"Teams have got games in hand on us, but we need to just focus on ourselves and ensure we pick up points.

"It's going to be a tough game this weekend. They're a very direct side, but we won't change the way we play."