CAERNARFON Town have announced the appointment of Allan Bickerstaff as their new first team manager.

The Canaries announced the shock news after their convincing win over Newtown, with current boss Sean Eardley stepping down to the assistant role due to specific licencing criteria relating to UEFA qualification.

Jamie Crowther, Richard Davies and Mike Innes will also remain at the club in a coaching capacity.

Club chairman Marc Roberts, said: “Next season marks ten years since the club was taken over and a new direction taken.

“Over the last decade we have seen some remarkable developments, and everyone involved, and all our supporters can feel rightly proud of the position Caernarfon Town is now in.

“The first ten years has been about consolidation and re-establishing our credentials as a force in Welsh Football. The next decade will be about pushing the envelope and taking us to levels this club has never previously experienced.

“Allan’s experience, knowledge and array of contacts further strengthens what I believe to be the best management team in the Welsh Premier.

“What we have achieved this season is nothing less than remarkable. But we cannot rest on our laurels, and we need to continue to chase the glittering prizes and footballing accolades that our fans so rightly deserve.

“With Allan, Sean and the Management team all now on board for the long term I have no doubt that the next decade will bring further success in the League, Welsh Cup glory and of course European forays with the Cofi Army.”

Bickerstaff is no stranger to success in the top flight after guiding Rhyl to a memorable championship win in 2009, and he also enjoyed a brief stint at Connah’s Quay Nomads before arriving at The Oval.

“I’m delighted to be joining such an important club in Welsh football and, having seen the team this season, I’m very excited at the prospect of pushing the squad, and the club, forward,” he said.

“I have to say that Sean has done a fantastic job here and I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“It is obvious that everyone from the chairman to the players, to the volunteers and the supporters, are all working together as one club and I’ll be doing my very best to push us on to the next level.”