Toolstation NCEL Division One side Athersley Recreation have appointed Paul Clarkson as their new boss.

He took his place in the dugout for the first time in Friday night's 4-1 defeat at Nostell Miners Welfare, just hours after his appointment, to run the rule over his new side.

Clarkson replaces Jimmy Whitehead who, along with his management team, parted company with the Penguins last weekend.

The Rec quickly searched for a replacement so that the position could be filled ahead of the trip to Nostell in a busy month for Division One clubs.

There is now a brief break from league action for Athersley with a League Cup trip to Staveley Miners Welfare on Tuesday followed by a visit to Burscough in the Isuzu FA Vase next weekend before Division One duties resume on the 27th with another journey to Staveley.