FORMER Shakers manager Chris Casper has taken up a new role working for the Premier League as a club support manager.

The 35-year-old has left his post as Grimsby Town’s assistant manager to start on his new job which will see him work with all the top-flight clubs in the North West.

The former Manchester United Youth skipper said: “The job is really exciting, if a bit different to what I’ve been doing.

“I’ll be a club support manager for the Premier League – that means working with the eight top-flight clubs in the north west.

“The job entails a variety of duties, mainly aimed at helping those clubs implement educational programmes and work with their academies.

“I will miss the daily contact with players but it does mean I will be able to spend more time at home with my children.

“I am ambitious but my family is also very important to me.

“There are pros and cons but it’s a job I’m really looking forward to.

“Youth football is a big thing for me.

“I came from that background at Man United when I was lucky to be part of a successful youth team coming through.

“I then tried to bring young players through as much as possible at Bury when I was manager there before the youth job at Bradford.

“It’s something that is a big issue for me and this job is something I’m excited about.”