Black will have a watching brief on Tuesday evening as the Reds take on Evo-Stik Premier Division side Darlington 1883 in the Integro Doodson League Cup before taking on the reigns for the first time as the side travel to Burscough on Saturday.

The club received over 20 applicants for the role and out of four good candidates invited for interview Black was the unanimous choice of the committee after settling out his proposals and ambitions as manager of Ossett Town AFC. Black comes with a wealth of experience and contacts in the professional and non-league game and his last role prior to this appointment was as assistant manager at Matlock Town working with Mark Hume.

On joining Matlock Town, a side adrift at the bottom of the Evo-Stik Premier Division he assisted Hume to help the Derbyshire based side to a comfortable 12 place finish and success in the Derbyshire Cup.

Black started his career at Barnsley FC between 2000 and 2003 followed by Harrogate Town (2003-2004), Stalybridge Celtic (2004-2006), Buxton FC (20016-2013), Bradford Park Avenue (2012-2014), North Ferriby (2014-15) and Matlock Town (2015 to present).

Grant Black added “I am delighted to be given this opportunity, I have been looking to take the step into management but wanted to wait for the right opportunity before making the leap. Obviously it is going to be a difficult run in to the end of the season, but I believe the club has more than enough opportunity to remain in this division this season and then kick on up the table next season.

I would like to put on record my thanks to Matlock Town and Mark Hume for the time we have been together. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career, I can’t wait to get started”