PAUL Wright has been replaced in the Salford City hot-seat before they played a single game.

City unveiled Wright as their new manager last week. But they did not know at that time that he has a Manchester FA ban hanging over his head.

They have been forced to suspend Wright from all football related duties until the ban runs out in March.

And 39-year-old Neil Hall, who has a lot of non-league experience with Hyde United and Droylsden and is a former Bradford fitness coach, has taken over the reins.

City lost at home to Skelmersdale 4-2 in Hall’s first game in charge on Tuesday night.

They had seven new faces in the starting line-up for the UniBond League President’s Cup third round clash. And Salford put in a creditable performance and they scored equalising goals via Mark Ayres and Lathan Forrester before two goals in the last 12 minutes saw a strong Skelmersdale side come out on top.

The new signings at Moor Lane include 24-year-old ex-Manchester City player Jamie Tandy, who was Joe Barton’s victim in a much publicised cigar in the eye incident four years ago, former Oldham Athletic and Stockport County centre half Mike Flynn and proven goal scorer Steve Moore.

Rock bottom Salford will host leaders FC Halifax Town, who are the best supported club in the UniBond League First Division North, in their next game on Saturday, January 17, kick-off 3pm.