CLITHEROE have taken a new direction and appointed Simon Garner as their new manager to replace Paul Moore.

Moore left Shawbridge at the weekend despite an impressive 3-0 Evo-Stik League First Division North win over Kendal Town and Blues’ chiefs have moved quickly to get their new man.

Garner is no stranger to the Shawbridge set-up and his father Carl is a former Clitheroe manager and chairman and the midfielder also spent time playing for the club.

And he says he is proud to get the chance to take his first steps in management at the club where he began his playing career.

Garner was skipper of Northwich Victoria but jumped at the chance to take his place in the dugout and said: “I am both delighted and very proud to accept the manager’s position at Clitheroe, the place where it all began for me as a teenage footballer over a decade ago.

“The transition from player to manager has always been in my thoughts and it is an honour to be given this opportunity by the board.

“I will apply the same attitude and beliefs which have served me well throughout my playing career and I am eager to make a positive contribution.

“I would also like to thank Northwich chairman Jim Rushe and manager Lee Ashcroft for allowing me to meet the board of Clitheroe and to take up this post at such short notice.”

Garner is a vastly experienced player and as well as the Blues and Northwich has turned out for Halifax, Chorley and big spending FC United.

He has also worked under many of the north west’s top non-league bosses and is ready to hit the ground running.

Clitheroe chairman Anne Barker believes she has landed a coup by getting her man and said: “Simon is an exciting proposition because of his experience at this level of football and higher.

“He has a catalogue of contacts having played at FC Halifax Town, FC United and Chorley FC to name but a few, but it is his own ambition and drive, which will help him to make the most of this opportunity.

“Simon joins a growing number of managers in this league who have been given a chance to move from playing to management and reflects previous club policy.

“I am delighted to welcome Simon as our manager.”

Garner will be assisted by another former Clitheroe man in the shape of Ryan Parr and took charge of his first game last night against Wigan Robin Park in the United Co-Operatives Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy.

His first league game is next Tuesday night when his old club Northwich head to Shawbridge.