FORMER Rossendale United manager Micky Graham is returning to the dugout - four years after quitting his post at Dark Lane.

Graham, a well-known figure in north west non-league circles, has been appointed as the new assistant manager of UniBond League side Chorley.

New Magpies boss John Hughes will renew his partnership with Graham after the pair worked closely together at Rossendale.

Then, Hughes was Graham's assistant but the pair will now swap roles and they are confident of bringing the good times back to Victory Park after several years of decline.

"Micky's delighted to be back involved in the game again, particularly as it's at a higher level," said Hughes.

"He was the manager and I was his assistant at Rossendale but I've since gone on to become a manager in my own right and he knows what I'm capable of.

"We took Rossendale to a high point and I don't see why we can't do something similar at Chorley.

"I'd like to think we are both characters and hopefully we can bring a bit of spirit back to the camp because from what I've been told there wasn't a great atmosphere around the club last season."

Ironically, Graham could actually take temporary charge for Chorley's first four games in the newly revamped UniBond First Division as Hughes is committed to going to America on a trip which was arranged prior to him accepting an offer to take up the reins at Victory Park.

In the meantime, Hughes met up with his new squad for the first time earlier this week and he was pleased with the way things went.

"It was a good introduction and I wanted to know who's planning on staying and who wants to go," said the Magpies chief.

One of Hughes's first tasks will be to try and persuade Billy McCartney to stay on for another season.

The popular defender and former Chorley player of the year is wanted by Bacup boss Brent Peters amongst others but Hughes is hoping to convince him that he's an integral part of his plans for the future.

"Billy's still registered with us and I'd like him to stay on with us," said Hughes.

"He's a quality player and he's got the kind of experience I'd like him to pass on to the players I want to bring in."

Hughes is already busy trying to bring players in and there were six new faces at the club's first pre-season training session earlier this week.

"At this stage, it's a case of assessing the players who are already there and seeing who will be capable of stepping in.

"Hopefully, the majority of last season's squad are going to stay with us but league tables don't lie so we're going to have to strengthen in certain areas."