TIM RYAN has been as appointed York City's new youth team manager.

The 43-year-old fills the role vacated by Sam Collins following his promotion to the role of first team manager.

Originally from Stockport, Ryan has previously worked as assistant-manager at Buxton, Stalybridge Celtic and Chester.

He made more than 200 appearances for Doncaster Rovers (2000 to 2006) and more than 100 appearances for Southport (1997 to 2000).

Ryan also played for Scunthorpe United, Buxton, Altrincham, Peterborough United, Boston United, Darlington, Harrogate Town, Chester, Stalybridge Celtic and Bradford Park Avenue.

For the last five years, he has been co-ordinator for the Doncaster Rovers' Academy at the Club Doncaster Sports College.

He was also the assistant-manager at Northern Premier League Premier Division side Buxton for five years until leaving his post in April.

"I am excited about this new role with a big club that is looking to get back in the Football League," said Ryan.

"I have worked in the youth side of the game for the last three or four years now and I really enjoy pushing young players on and giving them the best opportunity possible to progress their careers.

"As a player, I visited Bootham Crescent many times and there are a few familiar faces around the place who have already made me feel welcome.

"I watched the Under-18s play at Handsworth in the FA Youth Cup earlier this season and I was really impressed with their potential.

"I now want to build on the good work started by Sam and Dan Wilson (head of youth) in the summer and help these lads progress towards first team football."

The club's board of directors issued a statement, saying: "We are delighted to welcome Tim Ryan to the club as youth team manager.

"The board interviewed five candidates for the post and felt Tim had the knowledge and experience we needed, especially for the route the Academy now has to go down having lost funding from the Football League."