LEE Duckworth will be joined at Northwich Victoria by a "joint-manager," the club have confirmed.

Having announced Duckworth - a name familiar to football fans in our region through his lengthy association with Winsford United as both player and manager - as Matt Barnes' successor earlier this week, they have now confirmed he will be joined in the dugout by Luke Goddard.

The pair have this season formed the management team at Alsager Town and have guided them to third place in the North West Counties League First Division South.

Now, though, they will team up with Vics and Goddard believes they can "bring back some good times" to the club.

"I am immensely proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Northwich Victoria with Ducko with the support of our trusted backroom staff as we look to put this historic football club back on an upward trajectory over the coming years," he said.

"It's all happened quite quickly but we look at where the club is currently at, and with the ambition/plans of the board, it soon became clear that together with an aligned path we can bring more history and exciting times to the Trickies faithful.

"The journey and hard work is already underway - in any football club, there will always be challenges and adversity along the way but we should, together as managers, players, volunteers and fans continue to find solutions, attack positively using that core strength that this great club will never die, and let's bring on back some good times."

Having made more than 700 appearances for Winsford as a player, Duckworth took over the managerial reigns in 2015 and stayed in his role until March of this year.

Now, however, he is tasked with moving Vics up the Midland Football League Premier Division table – they currently sit 12th.

The pair's first assignment is not until Wednesday against Cheadle Town in the Cheshire Senior Cup, but Duckworth is looking forward to getting started.

“I’m delighted to be offered the opportunity to manage this fantastic club,” he said.

“Northwich Victoria has been one of the most famous non-league clubs for decades, and now to be given the opportunity to help navigate them up the leagues is a real honour.

“The moment I met Ian (Egerton, club chairman) and the committee, it was obvious the plans and ambitions to drive the club forward were exciting and something I wanted to become part of.

“As a management team, we will work hard to ensure everything we can to bring success back to the club and put smiles on faces around the place.

“I look forward to a match day and meeting as many of the supporters as possible.”

Following the departure of Barnes and assistant Chris Broad, skipper Matty Clarke and fellow senior player Joe Camozzi took over on an interim basis to guide the team through a 1-1 draw with Stourport Swifts.

But with a new management team now in place, club chairman Ian Egerton is looking forward to the future.

"It's without doubt an amazing appointment for the club as both Lee and Luke have enjoyed a great working relationship recently at Alsager Town," he said.

"Along with the rest of their management team, which will be announced throughout the week, they have built a really dedicated structure that not only works on trust and ability but also a friendship and desire to have the same goals and vision for our football club.

"Many will recognise the unbelievable work that Luke did at Whitchurch Alport where he completely reinvigorated the club and took it to step 5, which was an achievement applauded by many.

"Luke's experience of The Midland League makes this partnership a perfect combination to take Northwich Victoria forward."