DANNY Craig is delighted to have been offered his first manager's job with Barnoldswick Town.

The 31-year-old has taken over the reins from Stewart Airdrie who is going to concentrate on a new role developing the Hallmark Security Premier Division club.

Craig, who has given up a post coaching with the under-14 side at the Burnley Academy, has spent time in Holland studying their coaching methods and is currently working towards UEFA A Licence.

Paul Cruz remains as assistant manager and will be an integral part of the new management team along with goalkeeping coach Steven Petty.

Craig met with the players for the first time on Saturday when their away match with table-topping Runcorn Town was called off.

He said: "The opportunity came out of the blue. Things happened very quickly and I was thrilled to be given the chance.

"I believe the club has a lot of potential and I am looking forward to working with the players.

"It was good to have a meeting with them on Saturday. I wanted them to know what they could expect from me, what I expect from them, and how I want to do things."

Craig, who was a right back or midfieldman in his playing days with Clitheroe and Colne, has also pledged to give the current players the chance to show what they can do.

"We have a big squad and that will be useful as we are behind with our fixtures and will have a lot of midweek games to play," said Craig.

"I want to take a good look at the players to see what they can do. We have matches against many of the top sides in the coming week so that will provide me with a good test.

"It would be wrong of me to look out for new players. As far as I am concerned, this is a blank canvas.

"I want the players to show me that they have the ability and the mentality we need."

The appointment of the new manager was announced in a club statement. It said: "The committee of Barnoldswick Town Football Club would like to thank outgoing manager Stewart Airdrie who has stood down from the manager's role to concentrate on moving the club forward.

"Since being at the club as player and manager, Stewart has seen us improve from mid-table West Lancashire League to the Hallmark Security League Premier division and seen the playing staff improve beyond all recognition."

Airdrie is expected to replace long-serving Ian James as chairman later in the year and is hoping he can bring some new blood into the club.

He said: "We have some great volunteers who do tremendous amounts of work, but they are a dwindling band. They look after the pitch, man the turnstiles, serve in the bar and do all manner of jobs.

"Working alongside of them I have appreciated just how much goes into running the club.

"I enjoyed being manager, but I just couldn't give it my full concentration when there were so many other things to do as I became more involve in the off-the-field activities."

He added: "Looking ahead I think the club has great potential. We have a strong junior section and I want us to develop off the field too. I am sure Danny will prove a good choice as manager."