Former Rovers man Pascal Chimbonda says it is “a great honour” to take charge at non-league outfit Skelmersdale United.

Chimbonda succeeds Matt Potter in the dugout and his first game in charge is against Kendal Town in the Macron Cup on Wednesday night.

Skelmersdale find themselves 10 points adrift at the foot of the Northern West Counties League Premier Division table after taking three points from their opening 16 matches.

“It is a great honour to become manager of a club with a history as rich as that of Skelmersdale United," said Chimbonda.

“This is a very proud day for me and also a wonderful opportunity, and I am very eager to get onto the training ground to start working with the players.

“I will be focusing on greater fitness which will match the intensity I expect of all the players.

“I’ve been inspired by Guardiola, Mourinho, Simeone and Zidane, and as such just like those great managers, my philosophy will be to play attractive football.

“I know how precious this club is to the supporters, and therefore we’re ready to work hard to give them what they want.”

The club finished 11th in tier eight of the English pyramid last season but were relegated because their ground did not meet FA regulations.

“We are extremely pleased to announce that Pascal has agreed to join one of the most prestigious clubs in non-league football," chairman Frank Hughes added.

“We have set out to create a philosophy that will continue throughout the ages. We are going to be the standard bearers for great football because that is what our supporters demand and is exactly what they deserve.

“We have found the right man for the job in Pascal. His experience at the very top of elite football, shows that he has that winning mentality. This is a major coup for the club, and we are very excited about the future."