Pontefract Collieries have announced that influential player Carl Fothergill has accepted a role in their management team for next season.

He will assist Simon Houghton and Darren Smith as they prepare for a promotion push in KoolSport NCEL Division One.

A statement said: "Carl has been a very valuable part of the squad this season, earning the utmost respect from his team mates and supporters alike.

"His influence off the field has been vitally important alongside his top goal scoring achievements on the field.

"Carl is looking forward to helping Ponte next season in their quest for promotion to the Premier Division and his experience at a much higher level will be invaluable.

"This appointment will be disappointing for many other clubs, as numerous attempts to snatch him away from Ponte Colls have been tried and failed throughout the past season."