DOUBLE-WINNING AFC Darwen have been given a further boost after former Blackburn Rovers and Burnley winger Peter Devine agreed to become the club's new manager.
The Salmoners won promotion from the North West Counties League Division One last season as well as the First Division Cup to cap a fine campaign.
Caretaker manager Nick Lloyd will continue in his previous assistant manager role and Kevin Gallacher, another former Rovers player, will stay on as director of football.
Reserve team manager Matt Pilkington has also been promoted to first team coach as the ambitious club prepare for their first ever season at Step 5.
New boss Devine said: “I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to manage AFC Darwen and I'm relishing the challenge. I hope this is the start of a long and successful relationship.
“The club has strong foundations and the team did incredibly well last season. The aim now is to build on that, to keep the momentum going and to continue to develop the squad.”
AFC Darwen chairman Wayne Wild, who is also group commercial director of club sponsor and local employer WEC Group, added: “Peter has a wealth of experience in the Non-League game as well as in the Football League, is tremendously well respected and we believe he is the ideal man to continue to move the club forward on the pitch.
“We believe we have assembled a dynamic management team that will help us meet the challenges of the Premier Division following promotion and will enable us to push for further success.
“Nick did exceptionally well in his time as caretaker manager and remains an important part of the team, along with Kevin Gallacher, whose input since he arrived here has been invaluable.
“Their continued involvement and enthusiasm for the task ahead is a great boost for everyone at the club.”
