FORMER York City midfielder Christian Fox has been unveiled as Selby Town’s new manager.

Fox, 36, was described as the “outstanding” candidate by chairman Ralph Pearse from the 18 others interested in the Flaxley Road vacancy, following the decision to part company with Nigel Emery.

The Northern Counties East League division one outfit’s board were also “unanimous” in their choice of Fox, who helped Poppleton United win the York Minster Engineering League first division title this season by winning 17 of their 20 games.

He will be assisted in his new role by Jonny Bruce, who managed Easingwold Town this term in the YMEL second division.

Fox earned England under-16 and 18 honours whilst on the books at Bootham Crescent, rooming with Joe Cole on overseas trips and also playing alongside the likes of Michael Carrick and Peter Crouch.

He scored once in 77 senior outings for the Minstermen between 1999 and 2004 before drifting into non-League football, including a long spell at Selby.

Fox’s focus at his old club will not just be on the first team, but also on the junior set-up.

His All Star Academy entered into a partnership with the club at the turn of the year to provide coaching for under-16 players.

Outlining the reasons for Fox’s appointment, Pearse said: “On his CV, he said that he loves Selby Town.

“He also said that we should be in the premier division and pushing for the Evo-Stik League.

“He ticked all the boxes, not just with his coaching ability, but also with his vision and his passion for Selby Town.

“One thing Christian made a point of saying was that he and his colleagues want to leave a foundation at Selby for the next generation.

“I’m very excited about the appointment we have made and I can’t wait for pre-season.

“He’s given us a list of players that they’re looking to sign.

“There’s a lot of local lads on it and, I think, if he can sign most of them we will have an exciting team next season.

“Christian was the outstanding candidate.

“He’s been a professional at York City. He’s played at another high standard with Whitby and he played for Selby during some great times under Bob Lyon when the team never finished out of the top ten.

“I think a lot of the supporters will be pleased to see one of our most approachable former players in charge of the team.”