FORMER Burton Albion midfielder John McGrath has been named the new manager of Mickleover Sports.
McGrath made over 200 appearances for the Brewers and enjoyed an 18-year playing career – he will be player/manager at the Don Amott Arena with immediate effect.
The ex-Brewer who will also oversee the Mickleover Academy, said: "I am delighted to take on the role of player/manager and Head of Academy at Mickleover Sports.
"I aim to deliver an exciting brand of football to the Don Amott Arena and look forward to a successful season and future at the club.
“I aim to integrate the football club back in to the local community by using my knowledge of our excellent academy system and therefore developing talented local kids.
"My leadership skills as club and team captain at Burton Albion for six years has been a great insight in to the leadership skills needed to succeed, not only as a great manager but just as importantly as a great man-manager."
Mickleover Sports chairman Don Amott is delighted that McGrath has taken up the role at the club.
He said: "Our committee have taken the unusual step of not inviting applications for the position because we were so impressed with John's vision for the first team and the Academy.
"He also knows the current players well and is currently a coach in our Academy.
“John meets all the criteria we had set, including developing the Academy to produce first-team players and bringing back a more local base to the first team.
"We believe this will attract more supporters next season and raise the profile of our Academy even further."