FORMER York City star Richard Brodie has returned to Skelmersdale United as the club's manager.

Brodie concluded his playing career at Skelmersdale, scoring nine goals in 39 appearances for the Lancashire club, before joining the management staff at Ashton Athletic last year.

The 35-year-old has now come back to Skelmersdale as the boss of the Blueboys, departing as player and joint-manager of Ashton to join the Pitching In Northern Premier League west outfit.

"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Brodie as first team manager," said Skelmersdale United.

"Many of you will be familiar with Richard Brodie as a former player and coach for the Blues."

Brodie himself added: “I hope you all know what you will get from me - passion and commitment (as a) minimum and the lads have it in abundance as well as being a top group with quality from top to bottom."

A statement from Ashton Athletic also confirmed the news, saying: "The club have accepted the resignation of player and joint manager Richard Brodie.

"Brodie's former club, Skelmersdale United, approached him and offered him the vacant manager's job which he accepted.

"Brodie joined the Yellows in October 2021 to take up his first footsteps into management.

"The club would like to place on record our thanks for the last 11 months and wish him well in his future career."

Brodie takes charge of Skelmersdale for the first time tonight at home to Runcorn Linnets (7.45pm).

The former England 'C' international made more than 150 appearances for York across two spells, scoring 58 goals.

He was named as the Conference Premier player of the year in 2009/10, when he was also in the division's team of the year, having scored 26 league goals for City that term.