PADIHAM’S assistant manager Steve Cunningham has been named as the new boss of Colne – to be replaced by Daniel Craig.

Colne have been without a manager since Nigel Coates departed last month after 10 years in charge, but they have now announced that Cunningham has been appointed as boss.

The 33-year-old former Colne player had been working as assistant at Padiham, having also had a spell as number two at Ashton Athletic.

Ashton will be the hosts when Cunningham takes the helm at Colne in the North West Counties Premier Division tomorrow.

Cunningham will be assisted at Colne by another former player, Ted Cockett, and has introduced himself to the players in a meeting at the club. Existing coaches Dixon Lambert and Steve Petty will remain part of Colne’s backroom staff along with sports therapist Phil Atkinson.

Padiham have moved quickly to replace the departed Cunningham by appointing Craig as their new assistant manager.

Craig had been working as first-team coach, having previously been a youth development officer at Colne.

Padiham host Mossley in Evo-Stik First Division North tomorrow, while Clitheroe make the trip to Burscough.

Ramsbottom United are in FA Trophy third qualifying round action at Worcester City on Sunday.

Chorley are also still in the FA Trophy and host Mark Atkins’ Matlock Town tomorrow afternoon.

In the North West Counties Premier Division, Bacup and Rossendale Borough enterain Runcorn Linnets, while Barnoldswick Town are at home to AFC Liverpool.

Nelson host Ashton Town in the First Divison, while AFC Darwen travel to Atherton LR.