Former Carlisle United and Premier League defender Pascal Chimbonda is back in football with a non-league management job.

The ex-Blues player has been appointed boss of Skelmersdale United.

The North West Counties Premier Division strugglers unveiled the 44-year-old as successor to Matt Potter.

The club described the appointment of the former France international, who played in England's top flight with Tottenham Hotspur, Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and Wigan Athletic as a "major coup".

Chairman Frank Hughes said: “We are extremely pleased to announce that Pascal has agreed to join one of the most prestigious clubs in non-league football.

“We’ve set out to create a philosophy that will continue throughout the ages. We are going to be the standard bearers for great football, because that is what our supporters demand, and is exactly what they deserve.
 

“We have found the right man for the job in Pascal. His experience at the very top of elite football, shows that he has that winning mentality.

 

News and Star: Chimbonda played for United in the 2013/14 seasonChimbonda played for United in the 2013/14 season (Image: David Hollins)

“This is a major coup for the club, and we are very excited about the future.”

Chimbonda played for United in the 2013/14 season, making 28 appearances under Graham Kavanagh in the Blues' League One relegation season.

He had earlier been part of France's 2006 World Cup squad and won one cap for the national side.

Chimbonda will take charge of his first game against Cumbrian side Kendal Town in Wednesday's Macron Cup tie.

Skelmersdale sit bottom of the league, meanwhile, with just three points from their first 16 games this season, ten adrift of their nearest rivals.

Speaking about his opponent, Chimbonda told the club website: "It is a great honour to become manager of a club with a history as rich as that of Skelmersdale United Football Club.

“This is a very proud day for me and also a wonderful opportunity, and I am very eager to get onto the training ground to start working with the players.

“I will be focusing on greater fitness which will match the intensity I expect of all the players.

“I’ve been inspired by [Pep] Guardiola, [Jose] Mourinho, [Diego] Simeone and [Zinedine] Zidane, and as such just like those great managers, my philosophy will be to play attractive football.

“I know how precious this club is to the supporters, and therefore we’re ready to work hard to give them what they want.”