Ryan gets the nod as Bucks No. 2

Buxton FC manager Martin McIntosh listens to Charlie Cresswell

Ryan has stepped up to the role of player/assistant manager after the departure of Scott Maxfield in August left the Bucks boss without a right-hand man.

As expected, Ryan is now set to combine coaching duties with playing.

McIntosh said: “He’s slipped into the role really well.

“When asked, he is capable to cover and fill in as he did last Saturday when Jack was sent off.

“Tim knows all about this level and even the one above from his time at Stalybridge Celtic.”

Buxton head to table-toppers Fylde on Saturday defending their unbeaten away record.

This season the Bucks have won at Frickley, Stocksbridge and Marine and drew at Droylsden and McIntosh is aiming for the same level of performance at the weekend despite two consecutive home defeats.

He added: “We had a bad day at the office last Saturday but we’re not getting too down about it to be honest.

“We’ve only played ten games and we’ve got a long, long season ahead.

“It’s just a case of hanging in there.

“We’ll be doing our homework on Fylde certainly. They’re not top of the league for nothing.

“Football is about responding and that’s what we’ll try and do.”