LEE Ashcroft is the new first-team manager of Northwich Victoria.

Talks were concluded with the six-year Kendal Town boss, a former England under 21, Preston North End, West Bromwich Albion, Grimsby Town and Wigan Athletic striker, on Monday night.

A statement from Vics reads: “We believe we have secured the services of a manager with not only a proven track record at this level, but with the ambition and desire to take a team to the top of non-league football and beyond.

“Lee has served his former club well over several years and produced a significant number of young players who have gone on to ply their trade higher up the football pyramid.

“We look forward to a long working relationship with Lee to assist him in rebuilding a team, the club and its supporters; that we can be proud of for many years to come.”