BEN Harrison will lead Witton Albion into the new season, it has been confirmed.

The long-serving defender, who has more than 300 appearances for the club during several spells, has been confirmed as the club’s caretaker manager following the departure of Jon Macken and his assistant Steve Atkinson last week.

He will be in charge when the new Northern Premier League West Division campaign gets underway on Saturday as Albion welcome City of Liverpool – the team who pipped them to a play-off place last season – to the U Lock It Stadium.

Harrison will be supported by Paul Houghton, Michael Alcock and Jim Lawrie as the search for Macken’s permanent successor continues.

“This is a great opportunity for me as a local lad with a long history with the club both as a player and as a fan,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge of preparing the squad for the start of the season next weekend against City of Liverpool.

“I would encourage all Witton fans to come along and cheer the boys on.”

Macken’s departure just 11 days prior to the start of the new season put the cap on a difficult summer for Witton, who lost five of their six pre-season friendlies.

Harrison and Lawrie took charge of their final pre-season match, which ended in a 6-1 home defeat to lower-ranked neighbours 1874 Northwich.

Following the City of Liverpool game, Albion are also set for midweek league action as they visit Kidsgrove Athletic on Tuesday.