Darren Brookfield has been named Burscough’s new player-coach.

Manager Andy Gray has moved swiftly to fill the void left by Dominic Morley’s departure to Southport last week by handing last summer’s signing from Marine a new role.

Gray says 26-year-old Brookfield’s focus remains on playing for the Linnets in next season’s Evo-Stik Premier Division but he will now also take on first team coaching responsibilities to aid Gray and assistant Steve Hill.

Greens boss Gray says Brookfield has quickly shown to have leadership qualities and proved a trustworthy member of the Burscough squad.

Gray said: “Darren is only 26 but he is a really good role model. We are not going to burden him with having a say in team selection but he will be a definite help. He did fantastically for us last year and is someone I completely trust and as he’s still playing will be able to bring that competitive edge to training, as Dom did. All the lads have his respect.

“Darren becoming player-coach will not impact on his playing opportunities because first and foremost he is part of the playing squad. I’ve told him that if being player-coach compromises his performances on the pitch then he must tell me.”

Gray confirmed he has now spoken to all members of the first team squad about remaining at Victoria Park for next season but admits to still being unsure of his playing budget for the 2010/11 campaign.

Until the financial situation becomes clear, Gray is hoping the renewed sense of belief around the West Lancashire club will be sufficient to keep the side intact; one which the manager believes could be competitive next season.

Gray is moving preparations for the new term along as quickly as he can with arranging pre-season friendlies a pressing matter for the boss.

“We’ve sent letters to Everton, Liverpool and Wigan Athletic enquiring about arranging pre-season games and will be doing the same to Blackpool. We obviously need to give them a bit more time to see which division they are playing in next season but Ian Holloway (manager) said after they played us last year then he would definitely come back this summer because it was the sort of low key friendly he wanted. Of course that may change if they get into the Premier League.”

Gray also confirmed he is in talks with Southport and Accrington Stanley about organising games.

Article reproduced from the Ormskirk Advertiser and written by Phil Kirkbride.