NO KIDD-ING BORO BOSSES

WHEN Radcliffe co-bosses Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson come up against former Premier League manager Phil Brown in the second game of the season, the magnitude of the challenge ahead will be crystal clear.

- John Lyons

Having romped to the NPL Premier title in their maiden campaign in the Boro dugout, the managerial duo are back at Step 2 and eager to successfully guide their local club in uncharted waters.

It promises to be a massive test for Morley and Johnson, who have already notched up six promotions in their highly decorated managerial career. After kicking off National League North life with a home match against Scarborough Athletic on Saturday, August 10, a tricky visit to Kidderminster Harriers – who have ex-Hull City boss Brown at the helm – lies in wait the following week.

“First and foremost, it shows the level of football that Phil Brown is there,” Morley told The NLP. “He is probably kicking himself about relegation and probably wouldn’t want to be managing in National League North.

“For us, it’s a good experience to go up against him. After the game we’ll try to build that relationship – it’s always good to lean on managers and pick up bits and pieces. If we beat them 4-1, though, I’m not sure he’d want to give anything away!