Mellish making touchline comeback

Pictured alongside Blues chairwoman Anne Barker following his appointment as the successor to Simon Howarth after he stood down at the end of the club's EVO-STIK League North campaign on Saturday, the former Warrington Town boss told fans he is relishing the chance to take charge at Shawbridge.

Mellish, who worked alongside Shaun Reid for four years before succeeding him, won the First Division North title and then took the Yellows to eighth in the Northern Premier League's top flight before being replaced in October 2016 with his side sitting sixth in the table.

Mellish has been scouting for Altrincham and Darlington while biding his time to get back into management and he told fans: "I have been keen to get back into football as a manager but was waiting for the right opportunity. I am familiar with Clitheroe and understand the passion the fans have for the club. I am delighted to have been offered the position and will work tirelessly to bring the success I know we can deliver together."

Former Warrington skipper David Mannix was named as Mellish's number two in a statement on the Blues website on Monday. A former Liverpool professional who runs his own football academy, the 32-year-old skippered the Yellows on their epic cup run to the second round of the FA Cup in 2014.

After losing the services of former Welsh international Howarth following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Skelmerdale United, Barker said the decision to appoint Mellish and Mannix by the club's board on Sunday had been unanimous.

The Blues chairwoman said: “We had a very good idea of the calibre of candidate we were looking for when Simon announced he was leaving. After meeting the directors both informally and at a formal interview process, the decision to appoint Stuart was unanimous. We are excited to see how Stuart and David can build on the foundations laid by Simon.”

Image courtesy of @ClitheroeFC/Twitter

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