Former Premier League star Andy Campbell takes reins at West Auckland

WEST AUCKLAND TOWN have named ex-Middlesbrough and England U21 international Andy Campbell as their new manager.

Campbell led Norton & Stockton Ancients to promotion from the Northern League Division Two last season before quitting after they had won the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup.

The 36-year-old started his playing career at home-town Middlesbrough in the Premier League before a successful spell at Cardiff, where he scored in the play-off final win over QPR to win promotion to the Championship.

He later moved into Non-League with Halifax, Farsley, Bradford Park Avenue and Whitby Town before switching to management.

He replaces Steve Skinner at the two-time FA Vase finalists, who had resigned on Monday after having the playing budget cut.

“Managing West Auckland is a step up for me,” Campbell said. “That’s why I left Norton, I wanted to go to a bigger club.

“I met John Elliott and Stuart Alderson, and they came over as nice people. I know what they want for the club. West are a good club that has been successful over the last three or four years. I’m not going to set massive targets, but I want the team to be as competitive as possible.

“The first thing I need are more players, and hopefully I’ll be bringing players that I know. I want to bring in quality and not just numbers.”