WESTFIELDS’ new manager, John Layton, was realistic after watching his side for the first time at allpay.park last Saturday.

The former Hereford United boss is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Layton, a former Westfields and Hereford United player, is delighted to return to the local footballing scene.

He hopes that, by Christmas, his Westfields side will be mid-table in the Aspire Midland Alliance league.

“I am pleased to be back in the game and have the chance to work with players,” said Layton.

“Working with players is what I enjoy and it’s a challenge because Westfields have won only once in their first seven games. I am looking forward to the challenge and also to the coming season.”

Layton believes he has improved as a coach and has overseas experience under his belt.

“I had three years in Pakistan with the under-16, under-19, under-21 and national teams. I went over there and had to set up the teams from scratch. I have also had a season in the Maldives and in New Zealand.”

“It has been a great experience working with different nationalities.

“I think I am a better manager now - I have mellowed and I tend to think things through before I say anything. If a man cannot control himself, then how is he expected to control his players.”

Layton’s last coaching role before joining Westfields was in the USA.

“My last involvement was last year when I was working in a training camp in California. I have been involved in FA courses - I enjoy the coach education side.”

Layton also revealed how his move to Westfields happened. “Andy Morris telephoned me and said that their manager had resigned. He asked me if I would like to come down, have a look at the lads and help him out.

“It’s a nice set-up down here. It’s local and it gives me a chance to work with players.”

The experienced Layton was previously involved with Westfields as a player in the early 1970s.

“When Westfields first originated, I was a player,” he said. “I have always had an affiliation with Westfields – and they are always the second team whose results I look out for on a Saturday – with Hereford United, obviously, being the first.”

He added: “I took training on Thursday night and Jon Hill picked the players today. Jon has done well. He’s given me a lot of information and help. We will work well together.”

Layton thought that Westfields had done adequately in his first match at the helm.

“We were OK but we made some silly mistakes and gave them three goals.

“I will be looking to improve our sharpness, movement and our closing down of the opposition.”

“I think we have to work on everything - it’s going to be a learning process for the players and, if they work hard, I know we will be fine. It’s going to be interesting - it’s a journey for all of us.

“I would like to think that we could be half-way up the table by Christmas.”