Lee Bell says he is enjoying his new role as assistant manager at the club he has served over many years in two spells as a player and as a development coach within the Academy. Bell was promoted to Alex Morris’ assistant following the departure of David Artell and helped oversee the final four games of a disappointing campaign.

The club’s assistant manager says he is looking forward to pre-season and recommencing the work with the players ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Bell told the club’s official website: “I’ve really enjoyed the new role. I have had ambitions to step up into senior football for a while now and when the chance came I jumped at it.

“It is going well and I am really enjoying being part of the first team set-up. It is just a shame that the players are not in the building and we can continue the work but they need a break after not being able to go away for the past two years.

“With the players off, we are all working on the other side of the game. We are working hard on the recruitment side and preparing things for the pre-season and I’m loving it.

“On the recruitment side, it is what I expected. There are a lot of phone calls, chatting to people in the game, talking to agents. There is a lot of taking your call and then not getting back to you, but there is also a lot of encouragement. It is what it is.

“The season has not technically finished yet with the play-off games and there will be more added to the list I am sure. There will be players available and we are looking for those that will not only improve the team but also the squad.

Bell added: “We want good, honest professionals, who have a strong mentality to come in and complement what we already have here.”