FORMER Gainsborough Trinity boss Steve Housham has been chosen as the man to lead North Ferriby United into their first season in Non-League's top flight.
The Villagers, who won promotion through the National League North play-offs, were left shocked when manager Billy Heath opted to leave a fortnight later and join relegated FC Halifax Town.
But they have now made an appointment ahead of pre-season, announcing Housham as their new boss on Monday evening.
The 40-year-old left Gainsborough in March after four-and-a-half years at the helm with Trinity 13th in the National League North.
The former youth team boss was promoted to first team manager in September 2011 to replace Brian Little and guided Trinity to the Conference North play-off final in his first season where they fell to Nuneaton Town.
They failed to reach those heights again although Housham did take the club to an FA Trophy semi-final in 2012-13 and they made the FA Cup first round last season.
He is now tasked with overseeing the Villagers' first campaign at the top of Non-League and he told the club's website: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to manage in the National League with North Ferriby.
“My message to the fans is enjoy the ride and be proud that the club are playing at this level of football.”
Joint-chair Eman Forster added: “Steve's obvious passion will have a tremendous impact on North Ferriby United going forward into this exciting year, in the National League. We are looking forward to working with him.”
