Harper is new number two

The 47-year-old, who made more than 500 appearances in the professional game with Port Vale, Preston North End, Burnley, Doncaster Rovers, Mansfield Town, Hull City and Darlington, was named on New Year's Day as the successor to Steve Chadwick after he stepped down to concentrate on his work and family commitments.

Officials at the EVO-STIK NPL First Division South club's M Club Stadium paid tribute to Chadwick in a statement announcing the appointment of Harper as his successor as number two to manager Scott Dundas.

The club said: "It is with great regret that Steve Chadwick has now stepped down as assistant due to work and family commitments. Steve was a very valuable member of the coaching staff, taking training and helping to pick the team, he will be sorely missed. We wish Steve well and thank him for all he has undertaken for us."

After finishing his career at Kidsgrove Athletic, UEFA B qualified Harper, pictured, spent six years at Stoke City`s academy. A graduate of Port Vale's juniors, he signed his first professional forms under manager John Rudge in June 1987 and finally hung up his playing boots after a short spell with Kidsgrove Athletic in 2003.

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