Clitheroe FC have announced the appointment of a three-strong management team.

David Lynch, as player-manager, and Carl Garner, as director of football, both return to the club with former Huddersfield and Birmingham midfielder Chris Holland coming in as assistant boss.

The move from chairman Lee Sharples follows Phil Brown’s decision to step away after a year at the Shawbridge helm.

Lynch, a one-time Blues captain, has experience of playing at the top of non-league with Altrincham, Halifax, Southport and Alfreton among others and will be taking up his first managerial role.

Holland is from Whalley and as well as extensive Football League experience as a player, the 44-year-old is a former England U21 international.

Garner will take up a new role at the club having spent the last five years working on player recruitment and scouting for Fleetwood Town, Stockport County and Chester City and he was involved in the decision to bring in Lynch and Holland.

"David has been a true professional since first making contact about the manager’s role,” Sharples said.

“David's desire and passion to not only work for the club but to help the club grow and succeed both on field and off field working in line with the club's new recruitment process was a delight to hear.

“I have spoken regularly with Carl on football matters since taking over as chairman.

“With Phil Brown’s departure, the club’s directors felt that this was the right time to benefit from Carl’s huge experience and wealth of player contacts.

“This will be a key role as the club evolves, and Carl will be central in working with the new manager.”

Lynch said: “As previous club captain I understand the passion the fans have and the level of expectation demanded from every player that pulls on the blue shirt.

“I have some fantastic memories of playing for Clitheroe and I look forward to making many more as manager.

“My aim is to build on the success of last season and the stability brought in by Phil Brown. The ambition and direction of the board is exciting and despite a number of offers to continue playing at a higher level, the offer was simply one I could not turn down.”