The Board have been delighted by both the quantity and quality of applications as CEO Matt Boles explained, "That in itself was a welcome headache to have. We had some tough, extremely tough choices and shortlisted six candidates for interview. Again, this was a very thorough process that left the board with some difficult decisions. However, by the end of the process, we were unanimous in our decision to offer the role to Russ."
Wilcox was the standout candidate from an impressive pool of applicants, as Matt continued, "We are absolutely delighted to secure a manager of the calibre of Russ. His experience and reputation within the game speaks for itself. We believe this is the right appointment for the club and are delighted that Russ has accepted our offer to become First Team Manager at Gainsborough Trinity. Having interviewed Russ and having a number of subsequent discussions, it is clear that his passion and vision to take our club forward is something we should all be excited about. I look forward to working with Russ and helping to deliver our objectives for the club and you the fans."
During a long and distinguished playing career, the 59 year old made over a hundred appearances at four clubs, playing as a defender. Having hung up his boots in 2003, he had his first taste of management nearly two decades ago, in 2004, when he 
took over as Caretaker Manager for a short time at Scunthorpe United.
When not in charge, Wilcox was a very successful right hand man, occupying a number of Assistant Manager roles, working alongside Brian Laws both at Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley. A further role as Assistant saw him paired with Lee Bradbury at Bournemouth in League one.
Russ having bided his time as a number two, ahead of his next opportunity in the hot seat, a spell at York that was sandwiched between his second and third spells with the Iron, before joining Vanarama National League strugglers, Farsley Celtic.
At Farsley, the new Trinity boss twice defied the odds to keep the West Yorkshire based side at Step 2 of the Non-League Pyramid, prior to stepping down after his first full season at the club, before being replaced by last season's Trinity top scorer, Clayton Donaldson.
Initially, having taken over at the Citidel, Farsley were rooted to the bottom of the VNLN, having failed to win in the three months prior. Following his arrival, he oversaw a turnaround in fortunes that saw Farsley stay up on the final day. Beating the drop for a second time to preserve the Celts' status at their highest level, including their best run in the FA Trophy, losing to eventual finalists Gateshead on penalties.
The new Gainsborough Trinity boss cannot wait to get his teeth into the task in hand at DN21. In his first exclusive interview for the Gainsborough Trinity website, Russ indicated what drew him to the football club and outlined his vision for Gainsborough,
"We want supporters leaving with smiles on their faces. It's ultimately a results business and we'll be doing everything we can to get results. We have only had seven games so far, there are thirty-five games left to play, and anything can happen in football. I've seen a lot of the games, but I'm really looking forward to getting down to business with the group. Everyone starts with a clean slate - and the opportunity to impress."
Describing the style of play he likes to adopt, coupled with his knowledge of the group of players here, it's clear to see a clear plan in the new man's head,
"I'll be tough, I'll be fair, I'll be demanding. I want to get the basics right, I'm not all in for a philosophy, we will be flexible - and find different ways to win. If you have a predictable formation, a predictive style, teams will work you out. We'll win ugly if we have to. The starting point is working harder for each other, the togetherness and spirit are important. Being compact and organised, we start work on that immediately."
Welcome to Gainsborough Russ, we are all right behind you! Wilcox takes charge of training tonight (Tuesday) and Thursday, ahead of our home game against Atherton Collieries on Saturday. Kick off at 3pm. Let's turn out in force, back the Blues and get the Northolme bouncing!
Words and photos by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)