STEVE Blackford has been appointed as the new manager of the 2016 Costcutter Ceredigion League division one champions, Cardigan Town.

The Magpies, who have been successfully managed by Seamus Doherty over the past few seasons, had been keen to get someone with experience in place.

Fears of an exodus of players were raised as midfielder James Evans has been training with Haverfordwest, strikers John Lumb and Liam Doherty were linked to Newcastle Emlyn and Penrhyncoch respectively, and play-maker Iestyn Evans has been associated with Goytre.

Cadigan Town Football Club's vice-chairman William Bowen said the club were delighted with the appointment of Blackford as the new manager.

“He’s the one person we all wanted to take over as manager - the players, the supporters, the committee and everyone associated with our club,” said Bowen.

“Steve commands respect on and off the field, and is the perfect manager to ensure the club remains as successful in the future as it has been in recent seasons.”

These sentiments were endorsed by ex-manager Seamus Doherty, who stepped down as manager after leading his side to their second successive Costcutter Ceredigion League title, as well as retaining the Cwpan Coffa Dai Dynamo Davies.

“Blackie’ has been a top player for many years, he was an outstanding captain for me and he was instrumental in us clinching a second title last season,” he said.

“He leads by example, and the players respect him - and that is vitally important. Cardigan are fortunate that he has put his hand up and taken on this job.”

Blackford started out as a left-sided midfielder with Crannog, and has enjoyed successful spells at St Dogmaels and Goodwick United, where he was the player-manager, before moving to the King George, where he has been outstanding as a sweeper for the Magpies.

Blackford admitted that he had taken time to consider taking up the position.

“It was a tough decision, to be honest, because I have said that since I returned from Goodwick two years ago my priority was my son Jac, and coaching his team, the Cardigan U14s. I hadn’t envisaged a return to senior management,” he said.

“It’s a big commitment, but there are some talented youngsters at the club and they were very respectful whilst I was captain, so I want to continue with them.”

He added: “Some of last seasons’ players have decided to try a new challenge, which is a shame, but I totally understand their decision, and I wish them well.

“It looks like we’ll be a young squad, so there is no pressure to try and emulate the success of the past two seasons. All I ask is that the players give 100 per cent in training, and on the pitch, and we will see what happens next season."Seamus will be a tough act to follow and will be sorely missed as the effort he put in behind the scenes was amazing."