The former Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa star will return to Croft Park for the first time in 13 years after spending time as a player, caretaker manager and assistant manager during his previous spell with the club.
Dave Smith has had a busier summer than he expected but is optimistic his new signings can help Cleethorpes Town get over the line in the coming campaign.
The move has provoked surprise among some onlookers as the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic led many to suggest that the move could be put on hold