Three-year Coasters deal for Challinor

The Warton-based club were 16 points off the pace in Evo-Stik First Division North when Challinor replaced Kelham O’Hanlon last November but went on to lift the title in style.

The 36-year-old, who had steered Colwyn Bay to promotion the previous season, said: “I’m delighted to commit to the football club for the foreseeable future. Things couldn’t really have gone any better.

“Everybody is pushing in the same direction to move the club forward.

“Everybody who knows me and Colin (Woodthorpe, assistant boss) knows what our ambitions are. We want to be involved full-time in football and be back in the Football League, where we’ve spent most of our careers. We have the opportunity to do that here and be part of something very special.”

The League is still three promotions away but the former Tranmere and Bury defender will be targeting the Conference this season.

Club chairman David Haythornthwaite said: “From the moment we met Dave, and later Colin, we knew there was something special about them and this has proved to be the case.

“I believe we have a great future together. They have our total support and trust because they’ve earned it, not only on the field but off it.”