PHIL BROWN has returned to Lancaster City as manager, replacing Darren Peacock who left the club by mutual consent last week.
Brown, an academy coach at Preston North End, was previously Tony Hesketh’s assistant at Lancaster.
It is understood Hesketh turned down a third spell in charge at the Giant Axe, which allowed Brown to take charge.
A former assistant manager at Stockport County under Alan Lord, Brown ended last season as the Hatters’ interim boss after Lord’s move to director of football.
Brown’s first game in charge of the Dolly Blues will be Wednesday night’s FA Trophy preliminary round replay at Northwich Victoria.
A brief club statement said: “Lancaster City Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Phil Brown as our new manager.”