DAVE Bradford is the new manager of Great Harwood Town.

The ex-Blackburn Rovers player and former boss of West Lancashire League side BAE Canberra, fills the post vacated by John Hughes, who left for Chorley last week.

Great Harwood chairman Bill Holden revealed that his admiration for Bradford stretches back to the last time he was searching for a new manager.

He said: "Before John Hughes got the job I spoke to Dave and was impressed with him then.

"We've had a number of players through Dave's old club in our first team over the last few years so I'm aiming at continuity."

This policy is borne out by the fact that Dave Sharples, who was John Hughes's number two, remains as assistant manager.

Holden added: "I'm very pleased Dave Sharples is staying on because he has been instrumental in the success we've had."

Great Harwood sneaked into the final promotion spot for North West Counties Division One at the end of last season and Holden is relishing having a new team on board for the new challenge.

He said: "I don't believe in looking back, we have to look forward and see what success we can achieve."

Bradford, 51, joined Blackburn Rovers as an apprentice in 1969 and made 64 Football League appearances.

He then enjoyed spells at Sheffield United, WBA and Coventry, as well as various clubs in America.