SHAUN Cassidy, the Middlesbrough- based former England Under 21 flanker, has been appointed assistant manager to the England Counties XV in succession to another Teessider, Michael Old.

The son of former England fly half Alan Old, Michael has taken over as manager and in choosing 40-year-old Cassidy as his assistant the Counties have selected someone with an extensive portfolio of clubs.

After starting with Middlesbrough he played for West Hartlepool and Newcastle in the Premiership, then Darlington Mowden Park, Blaydon, Bedford and Acklam.

“We had an incredibly strong list of applicants,” said Old: “Shaun’s unique playing record – he played from Premiership down to level eight – and his extensive touring experience were important factors.

The assistant manager’s job does entail a lot of the detailed, day-to-day administration that defines whether a tour operates smoothly and effectively.

“Shaun’s experience of touring from a playing, coaching and management perspective all over the world will be invaluable to us.”

Said Cassidy: “The Counties XV appointment is a new and exciting challenge and I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Westoe, where Cassidy previously held a coaching position, expect to bounce back from their first defeat of the season at Leicester Lions by winning at home to Nuneaton tomorrow.

Following relegation to National Two North, the visitors have lost all seven games so far and only two bonus points keep them ahead of bottom club Manchester.

One of those points came in a 53-36 defeat by Fylde last Saturday, while Westoe lost a dour contest 11-5 at Leicester.

Winger Iain Dixon, who underwent a hospital scan in Leicester after a hard tackle brought on dizziness, is expected to be out of action for three or four weeks.

With Raymie Elliott resting a minor leg injury, Robin Adair has been drafted in as hooker.

Flanker Aaron Myers returns from an ankle injury on the bench.

After six appearances from the bench, 18-year-old Matthew Mellish is due to make his first start of the season.

He is the son of former Westoe flanker, Paul Mellish.

Middlesbrough entertain National Three North leaders Stockport with Lee Theakston back at prop for Matthew Helm, while Ben Horton replaces his unavailable cousin, Chris Horton, at hooker.

Iain Bradford returns to the second row, but Paul Norris is unavailable so Peter Homan switches to centre, with Michael Thorburn coming in on the wing. Callum Campbell has recovered from injury and replaces Matthew Todd at full back.