Hughes urges Boro to bounce back

Hughes is also hoping that the Athletic fans can play their part in helping the club recover from a tumultuous week on and off the pitch.

Former Hull, Charlton and Birmingham City midfielder Hughes and Paul Foot were both placed in charge by the Boro board after the resignation of boss Rudy Funk inn the wake of the club’s 3-0 Evo-Stik One North loss at Harrogate Railway on Monday.

Two days earlier Athletic had been battered 4-0 at home in the FA Trophy by Darlington 1883, and the previous Saturday they were pegged back to a 3-3 draw at New Mills, so Hughes is eager for the hosts to return to form tomorrow against the fourth-placed Vics, who are four points and one place above Boro.

“We had a good training sesion on Thursday and the lads are keen to get back into action. It is a fresh start for them all under Paul and myself.

“Paul and I were Rudy’s assistants so obviously we know the players’ qualities well, but we also have our own plans and ideas now and the lads can force themselves into these plans, that is of course if we do well and get the job on a permanent basis.

“The past few games have seen our performances take a dip and we want to get back to playing the way we did earlier in the season. Our home form has been very strong this season and hopefully we can maintain this against Northwich, who I have heard are a very strong, physical side.”

Hughes added: “It has been great that the crowds have been rising recently for the home games and it would be great to get another big crowd tomorrow, the fans’ support really does play a huge part for all the players and staff.

“It gives the lads a big boost and hopefully we can then give the supporters a win to help us get back on track for the play-offs.”

The new joint-boss said: “I think the North division is stronger than the South, but, up until the last few games, we have certainly acquitted ourselves well and risen to the task.

“We are still in the play-offs and a win tomorrow would help keep us up there and then we can turn to addressing our away form, which has been letting us down this season.”

Admission to tomorrow’s game is £9 for adults and £5 for concessions with under-11s being admitted free of charge.

A Boro Bus will be leaving from Scarborough railway station at 1.30pm to transport fans to the game for £3.

The bus will also stop at Seamer Road Honda Garage, Crossgates, Westway shops, The Star Inn, Cayton and then onto Bridlington.

*Admission prices for Boro’s Doodson Sport Cup first round tie against Farsley AFC at home on Tuesday has been reduced to £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, with under-11s admitted free.

The game will kick off at 7.45pm.