PRIOR to today's announcement, Bury's Andy Preece was the youngest serving manager in Division Three.

Now aged 36, the Shakers' player coach was just 32 when he took charge at Gigg Lane.

The next youngest manager after Brass is Fulham's Chris Coleman, who at 32 is the youngest Premiership manager.

Although Brass is the only boss aged under 30 in the Football League or Premiership, a number of clubs have managers aged 40 or under.

The full list proving age is no barrier is

Chris Coleman (Fulham), 32; Phil Parkinson (Colchester), 35; *Andy Preece (Bury), 36; *Andy Hessenthaler (Gillingham), 37; *Carlton Palmer (Stockport County), 37; *Paul Groves (Grimsby Town), 37; Paul Jewell (Wigan Athletic), 38; John Taylor (Cambridge United), 38; *Gary McAllister (Coventry City), 38; Leroy Rosenio (Torquay United), 38; Iain Dowie (Oldham Athletic), 38; Keith Curle (Mansfield Town), 39; *Neil Thompson (Boston United), 39; Ian Holloway (QPR), 40; Glyn Hodges (Barnsley) 40 (* denotes player-manager as of the end of last season)

Updated: 11:23 Wednesday, June 04, 2003