COLNE player chairman James Webster wants his side to be playing Division One football in the North West Counties League next season.

Webster, who this week appointed Paul Lynch as a joint player-manager after Andy Lawson was forced to step down due to work commitments, believes they are building a side that will be challenging for honours next term.

"We're looking to get out of the division nest season," he said.

"And we have big plans off the pitch as well.

"We've had meetings with a few local businessmen who are keen to get involved with the club and we're applying for grants for ground improvements.

"So we're building for the future."

And that pledge for next season started with the unveiling of new joint manager Lynch.

Colne held interviews after Andy Lawson revealed he would not be able to continue the job next season because of work, although he is expected to stay with the club as a player.

Webster was delighted with his new appointment, who will work alongside Dean Grice.

"Paul was captain of Rossendale United but hasn't played since breaking his leg earlier in the season.

"He'll be starting his new job immediately because we want him to have a look at the team in preparation for next season.

"But he's already contributed to us making four new signings, including himself.

"He helped us sign Matt Woods last week and we signed left back Jason Heffernan and centre half Matt Holdsworth as well."

He added: "Andy isn't leaving the club, but he told us a couple of weeks ago that he would be struggling with the management side of things next season."

Lawson said he was satisfied with the job he and co-manager Dean Grice had done since taking over the job at Christmas.

"We were second or third from bottom when we were appointed and we're in a lot healthier position now," the 29-year-old said.

"We're in mid-table and I'm sure we can finish in the top six or seven.

"I think myself and Dean have done quite well to turn things around. Now I just want to concentrate on playing for as long as possible."

Meanwhile, new joint manager Lynch said he was looking forward to his new role.

"I'm very excited about it and looking forward to the challenge," said Lynch, who has coached at Blackburn Rovers' Youth in the Community set-up.

"I was ruled out for a full season when I broke my leg last year, so I will be ready to make a comeback at the start of next season and hopefully get Colne up to the level I used to play at with Rossendale."

And he believed he was taking over a new side full of promise.

"They are a young side with an average age of about 23, and they are a good side. The only problem is they've lacked a bit of consistency."