JUST like a certain soap from 'Down Under,' it pays to be good neighbours, as the new manager of Ramsbottom United, Vince Overson found out.

His next door neighbour, Ged Walsh, who has been looking after team affairs at the Riverside since Andy Grimshaw resigned, has played a big part in getting Overson the full-time post.

"He began to mention it in general conversation, only the general conversation began to get more specific, shall we say, he can be very persistent and persuasive when he wants to be!" said Overson.

"I've wanted to get into management for a while and I've enjoyed my time at Padiham, but I'm also very ambitious and I would like to manage a football league club eventually, but right now my focus is on Ramsbottom United and I'm looking forward to the prospect.

"Often when a new boss arrives he will bring in half-a-dozen players and upset the balance. Ged believes Ramsbottom have the right balance as things stand, and because he knows me and the way I operate, he wanted someone to come in who would change things as little as possible, as he couldn't commit the amount of time needed to do the job justice.

"Well, after beating Skelmersdale on Tuesday, I can safely say I can't see the need for any changes. We were confident, played intelligent football and didn't rush things or panic, and we showed we can get a result."

One of his first jobs will be to hang on to former Shakers' striker Lee Buggie, who made his debut for the Rams on Tuesday.

"We may have a problem hanging on to Lee," conceeded Overson: "He is a quality player. He holds the ball up very well and uses it intelligently. I would love him to stay and I have told him that if he does he will enjoy his football, but he's played at a higher level, he's ambitious."

In between beginning and ending his professional career with Burnley, 41-year-old Vince played for, and captained, Birmingham City and Stoke City.

Since 1999 he has been back with the Clarets, running the club's Centre of Excellence, along with its community soccer schools and the club's under 16s side, in addition to managing North West Counties League, Second Division side Padiham.

So, should Buggie move on, Overson believes he's in a very strong position to find a replacement.

"A 16-year-old lad released by Burnley may think that's it, but if he came to a club like Ramsbottom he would get the time and encouragement to show what he can do.

"I remember playing in a trial game as a teenager and there was this little skinny kid who obviously had talent but the powers that be reckoned he'd never make it in the professional game. Well, we all know what Peter Beardsley went on to achieve, don't we!"