JOHN Hughes has laid down the gauntlet to Great Harwood chairman Bill Holden - if you want me to take the manager's job, ask me!

Hughes was former boss Denis Underwood's assistant until last week when Underwood resigned as Harwood languish at the bottom of the NWCL Division One table.

The 39-year-old has taken over for the last two games and fancies the job full-time with chairman Bill Holden saying he will make a decision early next week.

"If I am asked I will take the job, whether we get relegated or not, but only if Bill asks me," said Hughes, who was Micky Graham's assistant at Rossendale until early last season and previously spent five seasons at Chorley and played at Harwood under Eric Whalley.

"Bill has said he would like me to take over but I want some things to happen if I take the job. These are such things as improving the facilities so we can attract players to the club.

"It's like the showers and the social club.

"Harwood is a sleeping giant. We used to get big crowds when I played and it was a good time.

"I know I can attract players to the club but some things off the field need to be brought up to scratch."

The former League player - who spent time at Man United, Leeds and West Brom before a serious knee injury forced him onto the non-League scene at just 21 - has noticed an improvement on the playing side over the last week.

Harwood lost 2-1 against high-flying Newcastle Town and drew 3-3 against Winsford - the point being their first in eight league games. "My voice was hoarse at half time. That is what is needed," said Hughes, who also coaches Bury Under 15s but will give it up if he becomes boss.

"The players got Denis into this mess and they need to get us out of it.

"Denis was one of the nicest men I know but I don't think the players always showed him the respect he deserved.

"But they know what they are getting with me. If anyone saw me play, I always gave 100 per cent and that is what I expect from my players.

"If they don't get fit and show commitment then they are out the door, it is as simple as that!"

It is Great Harwood's 'cup final' tonight as they travel to Maine Road looking to move off the bottom.

Up to three teams can be relegated from Division One but that depends on which region the teams relegated from the UniBond first division come from, so it is important that Harwood - even though they are destined for a bottom three finish - end the season as high up as they can.

"It is a cup final for the lads but we have shown improvements in recent games and I expect a win."

And he has enlisted the help of non-League veteran Dave Sharples, who Underwood brought to the Showground earlier this season, to be his assistnat.

"He knows his football and he too can help to attract players. The lads respect him for what he knows about football.

"He has a good attitude and, at 39, he is fitter than the majority of the players." And together they know they can bring players of a good standard to the Showground - it was Hughes who brought in Andrew Proctor who made a quick move to Accrington Stanley after a few games for Harwood.

"I could see Andy's potential and I put him in the shop window. And we have another lad Ryan Parr, who is a strong defender, he is one to watch," said the caretaker chief. "If the transfer deadline hadn't passed, I could pick up the phone now and get in six players. But we need the facilities to get them here as well."

He needs a goalkeeper as Daryll Sloane is out for the rest of the season with injury and Alan Dawson, at 45, has been standing in.

"We are glad he will do a job for us but I do need a goalkeeper, desperately!"