Clitheroe have appointed Danny Caldecott as their new manager on a two and a half year deal.

Caldecott as joined the the Blues from NPL West Division rivals Trafford where he had been in charge since 2020.

The former Ashton United, Hyde and Stalybridge Celtic player succeeds David Dempsey, following his recent departure.

A Clitheroe statement said: “Clitheroe FC directors and Chairman David Frost were extremely impressed with Danny’s ambition, determination to succeed & professionalism as he laid out his plans to take the club forward.

“To add to this, it was important the club found the correct candidate that matched the values that we all share as a club and as supporters.

“The club are confident that Danny’s character & general nature are a perfect fit on and off the field for Clitheroe FC.

“This is also vindicated by his sterling reputation within the footballing world, shown by the glowing references from other well respected professionals within the industry. We wish Danny the very best as we begin the next chapter in the club’s history.”

Caldecott takes the reins ahead of the trip to Witton Albion at the weekend.

Trafford have issued a statement of their own, where they say the process of appointing a new manager is underway and a further announcement will be made soon.

It added: “Danny is ambitious and wants to progress his career in management. That ambition is one of the reasons we gave him the job here at Shawe View in 2020. His passion, determination, and leadership qualities are clear to see and we fully understand his reasons for wanting to grasp this opportunity at this moment in time.

“We wish Danny all the best and we thank him for his dedicated service to Trafford Football Club as manager for the past three-and-half years (and as a player before that).

“He leaves with our blessing and will always be a very welcome visitor to Shawe View in the future.”