PETE VASEY has been appointed the new manager of Pickering Town.

The former York City trainee, and latterly York City in the Community development coach, replaces Mitch Cook, who moved to Bridlington Town at the end of last season.

Vasey, 28, is an ex-Pike, having played as a defender for the club when signing as a 19-year-old in 2001 after being released as a third-year trainee at Bootham Crescent.

He has had two spells at the club as a player but is understood to be undecided on whether he will play in the Northern Counties East League premier division next season.

Vasey, also a coach at York College, inherits a largely young Pickering squad which finished seventh following the last campaign.

Keith Usher, club secretary/president, said he was delighted to have snapped up a manager with Vasey’s coaching experience.

“He has big shoes to fill (following Cook’s departure) but we think he’s capable,” Usher said. “I have known him since he was a trainee at York.

“He has coached with the York City youth team and has assisted with the reserves.

“He has his level three coaching certificate – a UEFA diploma – and everyone has to start somewhere.

“He has great connections with the community, established while he was at York, and he will be looking to further that with Pickering Town.

“He’s organised and, hopefully, he will do a good job for us.”