RAMSBOTTOM United have appointed former Nelson bosses Paul Fildes and Mark Fell as joint managers.

The pair, who did not apply for the job together, have accepted the joint role as Rammy chairman Harry Williamson attempts to reprise a management model so successful under Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson.

Morley and Johnson, who left in January last year to take over at Salford City, helped propel Rammy from mid-table in the North West Counties League to challenging at the top end of the Evo-Stik Premier in a five-year stint.

Since they stepped down, the club's fortunes have dipped under successor Jon Robinson and then Garry Vaughan, culminating in a first ever relegation in the club's 50-year history at the end of last season.

After sifting through more than 30 applications, Williams says Fell and Fildes were the two outstanding candidates, and after previously working together at Nelson, although not in a coaching capacity, he believed they would complement each other perfectly as joint managers.

“We had more than 30 applications for the position, which reflects well on the club," said Williams.

“But after creating a short list and interviewing some very strong candidates, we felt these two had the hunger and desire to take the club forward and produce the style of football and entertainment which should see the locals coming back in numbers.

“Having sampled a couple of seasons in the Premier Division, we are, of course, keen to return, but no pressure will be put on Paul and Mark, we just want them to reverse the club’s fortunes and push on.

"I have every confidence they will do so and look forward to working with them both.”

Fell has the most coaching experience of the two new managers. He has his UEFA A licence and is current head of sport at Accrington and Rossendale College.

The 33-year-old was manager at Nelson for three years, between October 2012 and October 2015, during which time he led them to the NWCL First Division title with an amazing run that included 16 straight wins and 153 goals scored – a NWCFL record.

He also picked up four manager-of-the-month awards during that time and previously led Whinney Hill to the top of the West Lancs League, but this will be his first stint in charge of an Evo-Stik League club.

“I'm delighted to be joining Paul as manager of Ramsbottom United,” he said.

“I've known Paul for a long time and we will undoubtedly complement each other with our approaches.

"The position represents a great opportunity for us both to work in the Evo-Stik League and we are keen to repay the faith shown in us by the committee.

“Our dealings with the club so far have been extremely professional and the club clearly match our ambition as young managers with a passion and desire to progress.

"Our work now begins to assemble a side capable of challenging next season, as well as providing the people of Ramsbottom with a brand of football they will be keen to watch."

Fildes played under Fell at Nelson before taking over the reins when he left last October.

After guiding the club to safety in the NWCL Premier Division, the 35-year-old striker is now looking forward to his first permanent managerial appointment.

“I am really excited to be joining Ramsbottom United Football Club and also delighted to be working with Mark Fell in management," he said.

“I know Mark well and I am fully confident our styles will bring out the best in the players and fulfill the expectations of the chairman and committee and all the supporters at the club.

“These are exciting times for us both and we are really looking forward to the times ahead.”

Fildes was a prolific striker at a variety of non league clubs in Lancashire during his playing days, which only ended last season when he stepped into management.

He scored more than 500 goals with AFC Fylde, Lancaster City, Kendal Town, Colne, Padiham and then Barnoldswick Town before moving to Nelson.

Rammy have confirmed their new management team have a number of potential signings lined up as they begin the task of putting to bed the disappointment of the last 18 months at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

It is uncertain at this stage whether caretaker boss Wayne Goodison, who played an integral role bringing young players through the youth-team structure at Rammy before stepping into the hotseat briefly after Vaughan left the club last season, will be staying on in a coaching role.