MATT Williams is to become general manager at Burnley after announcing he is leaving his position as chief executive of Shrewsbury Town.

Williams spent 12 years as secretary at Blackpool, helping guide the club to the Premier League and building an excellent working relationship with Ian Holloway.

He joined Shrewsbury in May 2014 and worked alongside former Burnley coach Micky Mellon, who was manager at the club.

But Williams' family remained based in the North West and having rejected previous opportunities to return to the area, he will now become general manager at Turf Moor on February 1.

He said: "My wife works in the North West, our families are based in that area and with us expecting our first child in March, I didn't want to be away from home for long periods of time in the way I have been these last 18 months.

"When the opportunity arose to go to Burnley, it was something I had to seriously consider because of my family situation - the prospect of working with a club of that size of course excites me immensely, as does being home every night with my wife and new born baby.

"Between now and the end of January, I will give the chairman, club and supporters my all to ensure that our development on and off the field continues."