Dolly Blues land Peacock

Lancaster City have appointed former Premier League defender Darren Peacock as their new manager.

Peacock, 45, played in the top flight for QPR, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers before retiring at 32 due to injury. City's new manager, pictured in his heyday, takes charge of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Dolly Blues for the first time at Salford on the final Saturday of the extended season, May 4.

Caretaker manager Mick Hoyle will continue to look after the team in the meantime and will take charge of their trip to Garforth next Saturday.

In a statement released on Sunday, the First Division North club revealed that Peacock would be following their new drive to develop local talent when he takes his first steps into management with them.

Ending a week of speculation that had seen them forced into issuing an earlier statement confirming reports that they were in talks with Peacock, the club said: "Lancaster City are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of negotiations with ex-Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers defender Darren Peacock to become our new Head Coach.

"Darren will take overall control of the playing staff next week for our match at Salford City on 4 May and is committed to realising the aspirations of the club and our supporters through the development of local talent."