By Pete Oliver

Overlooked in favour of Jimmy Quinn when the post last came up, Davis has now landed the manager's job following Quinn's move to Nationwide Conference rivals Shrewsbury Town.

"There were some good candidates for the job again this time and I'm pleased to have got another chance," Davis said.

Davis takes over as Vics boss

"I am excited about the prospect of managing the club and it's something I've been looking forward to for a while.

"It's a good opportunity. Jobs like this are few and far between so I shall be working hard to make the most of it."

Davis has installed former Burnley and Barnsley team-mate Brendan O'Connell as his assistant, and the pair, at 37 and 36 respectively, will both register as players.

And in another important move, Davis, who also played in the centre of defence at Crewe and Oxford, has completed the signing of highly-rated defender Phil Brazier.

Brazier, 25, had been linked with a move to Shrewsbury after being targeted by Quinn during Vauxhall Motors' successful Cup run last season. But the former Liverpool youngster was approached by Davis when he knew he was in the running for the manager's job and has signed a two-year contract.

"He's a good signing," said Davis. "He was the best defender outside the Conference and would come at a price we could afford.

"It gives him an opportunity to play in the Conference and I'm sure he'll do well."

I'll be looking to get the best possible squad and the best mix I can with the money available Steve Davis Northwich Victoria boss

Midfielder Mark Devlin is wanted by Quinn but again Davis is working hard to keep him with the Vics.

"I've spoken to Devs. He is keen to stay and hopefully we can get something sorted out with him," added Davis.

He is also keen to keep Denny Ingram at the club if his talks with Forest Green do not lead to a move to The Lawn.

Davis, who was previously the Vics first-team coach and recently became head of the club's youth development and community football sections, is now in charge at all levels.

Making an impact in the Conference is the top priority, though, following on from Quinn's achievements, who secured mid-table finishes for the part-timers in his two seasons at the helm.

"I won't be looking to make too many changes," Davis admitted.

"The budget will be tight again, but I will be looking to sign as many players as I can within the budget.

"I've spoken to a lot of players and I'll be looking to get the best possible squad and the best mix I can with the money available.

"With fitness, organisation and coaching we'll see how we can do, and I'm sure we'll do well."