Former Jamaica international Chris Humphrey has been confirmed as Penrith AFC’s new manager – and he’ll be in the dugout on Saturday.

The ex-Motherwell and Preston star has left Kendal Town in order to take the reins at Frenchfield Park.

Humphrey will meet the players for the first time tomorrow morning before the Bonny Blues head to Billingham Town for a Northern League Division One clash.

The 34-year-old, who is joined in the move by assistant and ex-Penrith player Shaun Gardner, previously managed Gretna 2008.

He replaces Dave Hewson, who recently confirmed he was standing down as Penrith boss after nearly two years in charge.

Humphrey takes charge with Penrith 18th in the table.

Chairman Brian Williams told the News & Star that Humphrey had impressed in the application process.

“We had a number of applicants, I’ve done my homework on a lot of people, and I was very impressed with his enthusiastic way of wanting to get involved with the club,” Williams said.

“He’s certainly got the drive that’s needed.

“I’ll be giving him all the help he needs and he comes across as a proper, genuine guy, and I can ask no more.”

Humphrey boasts an impressive playing pedigree, earning 12 caps for Jamaica amid a club career that took in spells at Shrewsbury, Motherwell, Preston, Hibernian and Bury.

He took his first step into management with Gretna in 2019 before being sacked by the Lowland League club after eight months in charge.

After a playing spell for Kelty Hearts, he took charge at Kendal in July 2020. He leaves the south Cumbrian outfit 19th in NPL North West.

Williams added: “He’s certainly got pedigree when you look at his history in the pro game. He’s struggled down at Kendal but I know the reasons for that.

“You’re always taking a chance with a new man, but I get a good feeling that it could be a good partnership with us.

“We’re not blessed with the best things and lots of money here at Penrith but we try and run the club correctly.

“He’s coming in as we’re ravaged with injuries, we’ve lost our experienced players with injury, so it’s going to be difficult for him.

“The Northern League’s a tough league and competing is always difficult – but we’ll always give it our best shot.”

As well as overseeing Penrith’s league campaign, Humphrey will hope to steer the club further in the FA Vase, with the side facing Prestwich Heys in the first round proper next weekend.

Humphrey issued a statement upon his decision to leave Kendal, saying it was one of the hardest decisions he had ever made. Chairman Jay Rossi has also left the club.