Daryl Clare, the former Grimsby Town, Chester City, Burton Albion and Boston United striker, is the new manager of Baris NCEL Division One side, Louth Town.

Clare, who has scored more than 200 career goals, will be assisted by long term friend Carl Forman and officially takes over the White Wolves with ambitious plans to bring success to the club.

He lives locally and, after completing the first year of his sports science degree and Level 2 FA coaching badge in the 9 months since he left Cambridge United, jumped at the chance after seeing the potential at Park Avenue.

Daryl stated that: "I had a few offers to do pre-season as a player, but Lee Freeman the Vice Chairman at Louth rang and asked me if I'd be interested.

"So I went for a look around - and it's a great club with fantastic potential."

He plans to bring some high profile friendlies and assist the committee in bringing in further sponsorship and investment to the club.

That started with Clare - who many will recall kicking off his career with Grimsby Town - being unveiled alongside new home shirt sponsor Ashley Lidgard of The Brackenborough Arms Hotel.

Clare, who has already secured an emotional return to the Deva Stadium to play Chester City pre-season, where he was top scorer in their 2003/04 Conference winning season, says he will play in that game as a one off.

"I've got a real buzz out of getting on the phone to my old managers and team mates, three of whom have promised to bring sides to us in pre-season. We are just awaiting the dates.

"The club was only formed in 2007 and they had two promotions through the Central Midlands, but they got stuck at this level for a couple of years. I want to get them challenging again.

"I played under some good gaffers, including Alan Buckley, Nigel Clough, Steve Evans and Mark Wright. They all had high expectations and I'm no different."

Louth Town Chairman, Steve Clarke, sees the appointment of Clare as a massive opportunity for the club: "Daryl is well respected in football and everyone knows his abilities as a player.

"This is his first role as a manager and we are all backing him 100% to bring that experience, enthusiasm and help take the club to the next level.

"Over the next few weeks we will be making sure that the ground is ready for the new season and speaking to local businesses who we hope will be interested in working in partnership with us in what we hope is going to be a big season."

Pictured L to R: Steve Clarke (Chairman), Carl Forman (Assistant Manager), Nick Kilmartin (General Manager, Brackenborough Arms Hotel), Daryl Clare (Manager), Dave Fairburn (President)