Can apprentice Barrick upstage master Burr?

For Town's player/manager Dean Barrick is plotting to put one over his former boss, Steve Burr, who masterminded The Yellows' greatest achievement last season when leading them to the Unibond League, Premier Division title.

It's a remarkable twist of fate that has brought the two clubs together for what is sure to be a fascinating Fourth Round (last 32) tie.

And this week Barrick urged Town supporters making the journey to Cheshire to give Burr a good reception.

"I hope the fans remember how well Steve did for Hucknall last season," he said.

"He achieved something that might not happen at Hucknall again, so the fans should appreciate that."

Burr's league-championship was not enough to win Town promotion to the top division of the Nationwide Conference – because their Watnall Road ground was not up to the required standard.

Ironically, the main beneficiaries were Northwich, who duly won a relegation-reprieve despite finishing bottom in that top division.

And within weeks, Burr was on his way out of Town to manage The Vics in an acrimonious split that broke up the Watnall Road dream-ticket with millionaire chairman Brian Holmes.

The acrimony was healed to such an extent that Holmes contacted Burr to offer him players when Town's financial problems first surfaced last december – a move that led to the departure of Danny Mayman to Northwich.

"Brian rang me and said there were certain players available," said Burr.

"There was only a certain amount we could do and I had to let someone go to bring in Danny.

"But I was delighted to get him and he has done remarkably well.

"Gary Ricketts was also available. Brian told me that Stafford Rangers had come in for him, but because they are in the same division as Hucknall, he said that, if we could come up with the necessary transfer fee, he would rather us take him. Unfortunately it didn't work out."

Ricketts has remained at Watnall Road, despite interest from other clubs, and he will be spearheading Town's attack tomorrow. Just as he did when plundering 27 goals for Burr last term.

It was a tally that earned him the manager's player of the year award – jointly with one Dean Barrick.

No surprise then when Burr confesses he is a big admirer of Barrick, having also signed him while he was boss of Nuneaton Borough two years ago.

"Dean has always been a good player and now he is a good manager," said Burr.

"I always saw that in him. I got him coaching last season and could see his leadership skills and potential.

"I would like to think Dean has learned from me and has incorporated some of my methods into his management style.

"But despite our respect for each other, I know he will be desperate to give me a right stuffing – and I want to do the same to him!"

Burr and Barrick remain "really good friends" and are eagerly looking forward to tomorrow's match.

"We keep in touch and there is a special bond between us," explained Barrick.

"It will be terrific tomorrow because we get on really well.

"He had a lot of money to spend at Hucknall last season but he spent it wisely to bring in some good players – and then he let those players play.

"He encouraged them to play and I am trying to build that again – giving players the freedom to play."