Penrith boss Dave Hewson says he is delighted to add the experience and knowledge of Aaran Taylor to his backroom staff.

The former Workington Reds and Barrow AFC goalkeeper was on the touchline alongside Hewson for Wednesday’s Northern League Division One game against North Shields.

Manager Hewson says that while Taylor will be available to play if needed, his priority will be in an off-field capacity.

“Aaran’s had a little bit of time away from football. I’ve known him for a long time, I’ve had a lot of experience with Aaran at Workington and he became available to bring in,” Hewson said of the 34-year-old.

“He showed interest and a willingness to come in as part of the management team.

“He’s got so much experience, and his knowledge of the game is second to none. He’s going to bring a huge amount to the club and team and support me and [assistant] Mark Banks.

“He’s also going to be available if needed as back-up, because he’s still a top keeper. He feels like he’s coming towards the end of his playing time but if needed he will be available.

“But the most important thing is he’s come in on the management team – he’s the type of character and person we want here to take the club forward.

“I’m absolutely chuffed, Billy [Williams], the chairman, is chuffed he’s come on board and it’s only going to benefit the club.

“It’s another set of eyes and experience. He’s been a player who’s always prided himself on communication and organisation of his team in front of him, and he can now do that from the side of the pitch.”

Hewson said he is hoping to make additions to his squad in the next week or so.

Penrith host West Allotment Celtic on Saturday, when they will aim to bounce back from Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat as well as last weekend’s 2-1 FA Cup exit at the hands of Guisborough Town.

Hewson’s side missed good chances in both halves before North Shields punished them in the midweek encounter.

“It’s disappointing, because we don’t think they’ve done a great deal to score three goals,” Hewson said.

“When we’re competing and in games for long spells, we need to be more clinical and make the most of the opportunities create.

“You can see that a goal would settle us, but when it doesn’t come, you sense we feel that little bit under pressure.

“And the goals we conceded, I feel we could do a little bit more to prevent.

“But I have to stay positive, keep the lads being positive, and we’re talking about games where we’ve competed, created chances and been in with a better chance of getting a result, which I don’t think we’ve always been in previous seasons.

“All we ask, and all Billy asks, is to compete, show pride in wearing the shirt. We want to stay in the Northern League – we’ve got to prove we’ve got the quality, attitude and desire to stay in this league.”

Hewson, meanwhile, said ex-Carlisle United striker Max Brown is “one to two weeks” away from fitness.

“We’re not going to rush it and lose him for months,” Hewson added.