Skipper swaps armband for hot-seat

Simon Garner has swapped the skipper's armband at Northwich Victoria for the manager's hot-seat at Evo-Stik Northern Premier League rivals Clitheroe.

The 29-year-old, pictured, returned to the First Division North's Blues after nearly a decade on Tuesday following the resignation of Paul Moore and his assistant Dave Hughes on Saturday hours after their 3-0 win at home to Kendal.

Garner, the son of former Clitheroe Chairman and manager Karl Garner, has appointed former Blues player Ryan Parr as his assistant. The pair take charge for the first time on Tuesday night when the Blues host Wigan Robin Park at Shawbridge in the Lancashire FA Trophy.

Clitheroe Chairwoman Anne Barker said: "Simon is an exciting proposition because of his experience at this level of football and higher. He has a catalogue of contacts having played at FC Halifax Town, FC United and Chorley to name but a few, but it is his own ambition and drive, which will help him to make the most of this opportunity."

Barker added: "Simon joins a growing number of managers in this league who have been given a chance to move from playing to management and reflects previous club policy. I am delighted to welcome Simon as our manager."

Garner is thrilled to take his first steps into management at the club where he kicked off his career. The midfielder, who played a key role in helping FC Halifax Town to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League title in the 2011 and counts Football League outfit Fleetwood Town and Conference North side Stalybridge Celtic among his former clubs, called his appointment an 'honour'.

He said: "I am both delighted and very proud to accept the manager’s position at Clitheroe, the place where it all began for me as a teenage footballer over a decade ago. The transition from player to manager has always been in my thoughts and it is an honour to be given this opportunity by the Board of Directors."

Clitheroe's new manager faces Northwich Victoria at home in his first league fixture next Tuesday night and thanked his former employers for giving him the chance to realise his managerial ambitions.

He added: "I will apply the same attitude and beliefs which have served me well throughout my playing career and I am eager to make a positive contribution. I would also like to thank Chairman Jim Rushe and manager Lee Ashcroft from Northwich Victoria for allowing me to meet the board of Clitheroe and to take up this post at such short notice."