MARK Beesley has neem named as the permanent manager of Warrington Town.

Beesley was initially named as interim manager after Paul Carden - under whom he served as assistant manager - left the club to join AFC Telford United.

Now, however, have confirmed him as Carden's successor on an 18-month deal, with an official statement confirming the appointment said to be imminent.

It is believed the club are in negotiations to bring in a new assistant manager and are hopeful of making an appointment before Saturday's FA Trophy clash with Morpeth Town.

"I’m made up that the opportunity has been given to me to push on the work we’ve done," Beesley said.

“I didn’t hesitate – I had a good conversation with Paul about it and Toby, and we’re ready to carry it on.

“I do a lot of research and I have a lot of notes about what I would do if I became a manager again.

“I was really happy working with Paul but I thought at some point I wanted to challenge myself again.

“This opportunity came along and normally, when a new manager comes in the club is on its knees a bit.

“This is the total opposite. There’s a squad of players down there that’s excelling and it’s up to me to make sure that continues.”

A striker during his playing days, Beesley enjoyed a brief loan spell at Cantilever Park as well as spells with the likes of Chester and Cambridge United.

After retiring, he managed Burscough before joining Yellows as assistant manager back in 2016.

“We wanted to move swiftly to ensure our targets for the season weren’t impacted and so there was minimal disruption," chairman Toby Macormac said.

“Bees’ appointment ensures continuity and the move was unanimously supported by the playing squad.”