RICHARD Williams-Cooke has been speaking of his ambitions for Denbigh Town after being appointed assistant to manager Eddie Maurice-Jones.

The former double-winning boss at Central Park returns to the club after resigning from his post at Oswestry Town, and the well-respected figure has deep ties to the set-up having started out in youth sides as a youngster.

He said: “The club means so much to me as it's where I grew up and I played all the way through from under 12s to eventually make my debut in Cymru Alliance at 16.

“In between spells playing for other sides I have been back a few times and eventually managed the team for two years.

“I never really wanted to leave in the first place as at the time we were flying and the whole town was buzzing but I took the time out to bring up my young family.

Williams-Cooke has formed a close bond with Maurice-Jones during his playing and coaching days, and the pair are no strangers having worked together previously at Gresford Athletic.

“When Eddie asked me I hardly had to think about it as he is a very close friend of mine and I am excited to work with him and the rest of the backroom staff,” added Williams-Cooke.

“I know most of the players anyway so should fit in nicely. The style of play suits me as I like teams to get it down and play at a high tempo.

“This is the most talented group of players the town has ever had and Shon (Powell) and the committee are very ambitious so everything is positive for the future.”

The returning hero has outlined Town’s eventual target to reach the top flight for the first time in their history, and Williams-Cooke knows what it takes to perform at the highest level having turned out for the likes of Bala Town and Newtown.

He said: “In terms of how I can help I think my man management and motivational skills are strong points.

“Myself and Eddie set high standards to be reached and the players already know that. We know what we want to achieve, and the ultimate dream is to reach the Welsh Premier League.

“The club still has a long way to go to achieve it, but we are one of a clutch of clubs sat behind Caernarfon Town who can push them this season.”