New boss Andy Coyles admits “it will be a difficult task” having taken over at struggling Penrith AFC.

After yesterday's Northern League clash against Ryhope CW was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, the Bonny Blues, bottom of the league with just one point from nine league fixtures, appointed Coyles as first-team manager “with immediate effect”. The Whitehaven-born man had been the club’s interim manager following the departure of Kyle May last month.

Coyles, a Northumbria University senior lecturer and also head coach of England men’s University’s team, has vowed to give youth a chance and face their challenges head on.

“I was happy to step in for a couple of weeks [after May’s departure], but then, I think they [Penrith’s board] made it quite clear that they wanted me to continue,” Coyles said on his appointment.

“At least now, I have full control and say over what happens really.

“It’s a challenge but one we will face head on and we will see where we go.”

Several Bonny Blues players left Frenchfield Park on the back of May’s departure but Coyles, now assisted by former Workington Reds reserve manager Billy Redden, has managed to recruit well and also re-sign some more familiar faces.

Coyles said: “It is an interesting challenge. It’s certainly one that will be a difficult task, just because of where we are at in this moment in time in terms of league positioning.

“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks with the departure of Kyle but also about seven or eight players, as well.

“But we have managed to recruit extremely well over the last two weeks and we have managed to regain our captain Grant Davidson, which is a massive capture, as well as Adam Main. We have brought back players, such as Shaun Gardner and Robbie Hewson.

“We are getting players back who were with us last year when we were doing extremely well, so I’m looking forward to working with these lads once again as well as the new additions to the squad, as well.”

“There is a nice balance in this moment in time between youth and maturity,” Coyles added.

“The mature lads, such as Grant, Macca [Main] and Shaun, hopefully will have a positive effect on the young ones.

“With the young ones, there is no fear with them. They can play the game as it should be played and don’t overthink which, sometimes, is a good thing.”

Meanwhile, Penrith have also said they are looking for a new physio. For details, email secretary.penrithafc@gmail.com.