HAVING stepped into the hot seat in January after the previous incumbents left Ramsbottom United, taking with them eight of the playing squad, Jon Robinson has now been handed the role of manager on a permanent basis.

With over 100 goals from more than 200 appearances with the Rams, the popular striker, who announced plans to retire from playing at the end of the 2014/15 season, was delighted to accept the offer after talks with Chairman Harry Williams over the weekend.

"It was a very difficult position the club found itself in back in January" said Robinson, "with so many unexpected departures. I took over the reins with the task of preserving the club's status at Evo-Stik Premier, and despite a tough few months we completed the task with four games to go.

"It was always going to be difficult putting a new squad together in the middle of the season, and not surprisingly, results proved difficult, but we managed it. I now have the opportunity to put together a new-look squad for the coming season, as we look to consolidate our position in non-league's third tier, putting the events of last season firmly behind us.

"It's an exciting challenge and I can't wait to begin the pre-season training. I'm putting my coaching staff in place and I already have a number of potential signings lined up, so the future for Ramsbottom United looks very promising."

Already regarded as a "Rammy legend", Jon Robinson's appointment is sure to go down well with the supporters at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

Despite a traumatic season, the club finished in it's highest ever placing in the non-league pyramid, attracted it's highest ever average league gate and created a new ground attendance record.