FORMER York City captain Darren Dunning has been appointed as Old Malton St Mary’s new first-team manager.

Dunning, who spent three seasons with the Minstermen between 2003 and 2006, is currently recovering from tearing his cruciate knee ligament while playing for Gainsborough Trinity back in April 2010.

The one-time Blackburn Rovers midfielder, who also played for Harrogate Town after leaving Bootham Crescent, is making good progress following surgery and is eyeing a possible playing return by Christmas.

Malton-born Dunning, now 30, will be assisted by last season’s management duo of Kim Scott and Robbie Preston at the York Minster Engineering League premier division club.

About his new challenge, Dunning said: “The chance to get involved back at my home-town club was too good an opportunity to turn down. The set up is first class and the club deserves continued success.

“With Kim and Robbie’s knowledge of the local scene, coupled with my contacts, we hope a good pre-season can get us out of the blocks and hopefully bring some success come May.”

The first training session takes place at the clubhouse on Wednesday, July 6 from 6.30pm to 8pm and is followed by the club’s annual general meeting at 8.15pm with all players, new and old, welcome to attend.