By Amanda Little

Last updated 13:36, Tuesday, 22 July 2008

Derek Townsley revealed a heart-to-heart with former Gretna boss Davie Irons persuaded him to take a foot on the management ladder with Annan Athletic.

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The 35-year-old, who helped Gretna to back-to-back Scottish Second and Third Division titles and played for the Borderers in the 2006 Scottish Cup Final against Hearts at Hampden Park, turned to close friend Irons for advice after being offered the chance to become Harry Cairney’s No2 at Annan.

Irons – now manager of Greenock Morton after resigning from the Gretna hot-seat in February before their descent into administration – told Townsley to jump at the chance to move into management.

Irons began his own management career at Annan, guiding them to the East of Scotland League and Cup double in 2000 before joining Gretna.

Townsley, who joined Annan in time for Saturday’s Challenge Cup tie at Clyde after penning a 12-month deal, said: “Davie and I are good friends and he’s always there for a bit of advice when I need it.

“I rang him last week to tell him about Annan’s offer, and he thought it was a great opportunity for me.

“He told me what a good little club Annan are. He was very supportive, and he seems to think I can do well at it. I went up to speak to Annan and really liked what I saw so I knew it was too good a chance to turn down.

“There’s a real buzz about the place and I couldn’t be happier with the move. It’s a good little club, which is well run and they have a great set up so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I didn’t think there were any challenges left for me in football as I thought I would see out my days as a player at Penrith, so I’m really thrilled.”

Annan already have a number of Carlisle-based players in their ranks, including Lee Hoolickin, Tom Short and Mike Jack, but Townsley hopes his arrival will help attract more players from south of the border to Galabank.

And the former Carlisle United YTS lad, who plans to continue playing next season, is confident will hold their own in senior football.

He said: “I think Harry sees it as a bonus that I am based in Carlisle. We have a few lads from Carlisle and we want to attract other lads from the area, so I hope I can help with that. We will be building up the squad as we go along. We’re not going to shout from the rooftops about what we will achieve, but as long as we can go into the Scottish League and compete, that’s important.

“There’s no pressure from the committee on Harry and I. We will just quietly go about things and find our feet.”