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Southport have named former Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers defender Alan Wright as their new manager.

The 41-year-old replaces Liam Watson, who , external at the end of the 2012-13 season and was later appointed as AFC Telford boss.

It is Wright's first managerial role, having had spells as a coach at Blackpool, Fleetwood and Northwich.

"As a player I had to be ultra determined and I will be the same as a manager," he told the

Wright, who scored five goals in 304 Premier League appearances, featured for 12 different clubs during a career spanning more than two decades.

He will be assisted by former Blackpool and Gillingham defender John Hills as the Sandgrounders look to improve on finishing 20th in the Conference Premier, one place above the relegation zone, in 2012-13.

Wright continued: "The Conference Premier is a very testing, competitive league and I have the ambition for us to be at the top end of the table."

Chairman Charlie Clapham added: "Alan is a tremendous appointment for the club. He will have the scope to strengthen the squad and we can all look forward to being very competitive.

"He will add his profile to the club, on and off the pitch. I believe these are very exciting times for the club."