JOHN Brough could not hide his delight after being appointed manager of North Leigh.

The former Shrewsbury Town, Hereford United and Cheltenham Town defender led Cinderford Town to the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West title this season.

However, he resigned his position last week after the club declined promotion to the Premier Division.

When Mark Gee stepped down as Millers boss following an 18-year reign, the 43-year-old had no hesitation making his move.

“It was fortunate timing for me that when I left Cinderford the North Leigh job became available,” he said.

“They’ve always tried to play football and I’ve long admired them for it.

“It was very pleasing when I met the chairman to see the passion he had for the football club – that’s something I’ve always taken with me to every club I’ve been at.”

North Leigh chairman Peter King believes Brough could be the man to take the club to the next level.

He said: “We felt what John had achieved at Cinderford made him the natural choice.

“He took an average group of players and made them into title winners, so he clearly has fantastic credentials.

“He’s ambitious and he feels that he can take North Leigh into the play-offs.

“He’s a very capable manager and wants to work at a higher level. He feels North Leigh is the place to do it.”

Also moving from Cinderford as a player/coach is forward Lee Smith, while the Millers' Wayne Turk will fulfil a similar dual role.