Chester FC have announced first team coach Jon McCarthy has been appointed as the new chief executive of the club's community trust.
In addition to his coaching role under manager Steve Burr, the former Northern Ireland international will now head up the Blues community programme.
Club partners MBNA are funding his role for the 2014-15 season through the MBNA Foundation.
McCarthy, 43, will take up his new post in July once he has left his current role as senior lecturer at Mid Cheshire College.
He said: "Football has the ability to bring communities and people together - and that has always been central to the ethos of a community-backed club like Chester FC.
"Taking the club into the community is a vital part of what we do, so I’m delighted to be taking on this dual role, one of such importance to the present and the future of our club.
"It’s important we focus on success on and off the field. I know, under Steve’s leadership and with the support of his back room team, the players and the fans, we can compete in the Conference Premier, but equally we need to ensure that we get back out into the city and give something back to those who have supported us through the good times and the bad."
McCarthy had a long and successful playing career, winning 18 caps for Northern Ireland and having spells with York City, Port Vale and Birmingham City.
He then moved into non-league and played under Burr at Hucknall Town and Northwich Victoria before retiring in 2007.
McCarthy has a degree in sport science from Nottingham Trent University and is a UEFA A Licence coach.
Sean Humphreys, a trustee of the MBNA Foundation, believes McCarthy's experience and skills mean he is the 'ideal man' for the post.
He said: "Chester FC is part of the city’s DNA, so it makes sense to continue integrating the club back into the local community.
"We are delighted to be able to offer our support, in order to give Jon and the community trust the best chance of success."
Blues director David Evans, who sits on the community trust board, said McCarthy had been the 'outstanding candidate'.
He said: "It was his passion for the cub, his background in football and his qualifications and experience in education that made him stand out.
"We are genuinely excited about the opportunity this gives us to live up to our club slogan – Our City. Our Community. Our Club."
Evans said the club was hugely grateful to MBNA for making the appointment possible and said the Blues and the credit card giant would be looking to work together to benefit the community.
Chester FC Community Trust would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the board or helping in the community. More details can be obtained from david.evans@chesterfc,com.
