Gowling’s Gesture Is Something New Boss Just Had To Do

The legendary centre-back has been appointed the club’s new manager after a successful caretaker spell towards the end of last season.

Former Kidderminster, Southport and Chester boss Steve Burr, 60, will work alongside him - and neither will take a penny until the time is right.

Gowling, who is yet to decide if he will play on in the National League North next season, says their gesture is the least the pair could have done.

He told us: “We just believe it’s the right thing to do under the current circumstances.

“There is no doubt that football is being hit, and will continue to be hit, by the coronavirus. We don’t know how things will be in the years ahead.

“I’ve got a lot of love for the club. Ever since I had a loan spell here over a decade ago I know how passionate the fans are and how much work goes on behind the scenes.

“It’s an honour to be selected to manage the club and our focus is bringing success here. I’ll give it everything I have got.

“If working for free until the club has an income will help, then it is something we are more than happy to do.”

Gowling says experienced Burr will be a huge asset to him at Edgar Street as he starts his first ever full-time management role.

“They don’t come much more experienced than Steve Burr,” said the ex-Grimsby and Torquay centre-back.

“I’m 36 and I will need all the help I can get. Steve will offer so much and hopefully we will be a good team.

“There is a lot of work to do and we’ll be going flat out to ensure the club is in a strong position when we are finally back playing football again.”