A former World Cup finalist has been appointed as the new manager of Skelmersdale United.

The team, based in Lancashire, are experiencing a miserable season so far.

Having lost 15 of their 16 games, they are bottom of the North West Counties League Premier Division.

The club have announced that former Wigan, Tottenham and Sunderland player Pascal Chimbonda is taking charge.

He told the club's website: “It is a great honor 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 Guardiola, 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."