Derry and Taylor get the job

Initially appointed as caretakers on Monday night following the departure of Dave Anderson, the midfielders are set to take charge for the first time on Saturday when the Vikings host Colwyn Bay in EVO-STIK NPL First Division North.

Now in his seventh season at the Victoria Pleasure Ground and made skipper by Anderson, Derry came through the club's youth set-up before leaving for spell at Selby Town. He is pictured collecting a special shirt and bottle of bubbly from kitman Graeme Smith to mark his 200th appearance for the Vikings in their 3-1 defeat at home to Colne on Saturday 5 November.

He takes the reigns with Taylor having served under eight different managers since Karl Rose have him his debut on February 8 2011 when he came on as a substitute in a 3-1 defeat at home to Brigg Town.

Taylor, whose previous clubs include Leeds United, Barnsley and Buxton, arrived in the summer of 2012 as one of former manager John Reed's first signings and is now in his fourth season at the Yorkshire club.

In a statement confirming the pair's appointment on the club's website, the Vikings said they would be assisted by defender Steven Jeff. After a decade away at Selby Town, Tadcaster Albion, Ossett Town and Frickley Athletic, he returned in November.

Former Vikings player and Barton Town Old Boys boss Anderson was the club's second manager of the season after being named as the successor to Lee Morris in September following the latter's exit to Frickley Athletic in the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight. He was relieved of his duties at by the second from bottom Vikings after a run of three straight defeats, Saturday's 2-1 reverse at home to Prescot Cables his final game at the helm.

Image courtesy of www.gooleafc.com

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