FORMER Guiseley boss Steve Kittrick is back in management.

Having been sacked at Nethermoor 15 months ago, the 57-year-old has been appointed at AFC Telford United, who are bottom of the Vanarama Conference and 13 points from safety.

Kittrick, who has signed an 18-month deal, replaces Liam Watson, who was sacked 11 days ago.

The former Lions boss, who will retain former Accrington Stanley midfielder Andy Todd as player-coach. managed Guiseley for six years and took them to the play-offs three times, their style of play being one of the key factors in Telford's decision too appoint him.

AFC Telford United chairman Ian Dosser said: "We conducted a thorough process and we were impressed with the quality of candidates interviewed.

"Steve demonstrated a real passion for and knowledge of the club. He has an excellent track record and clearly likes his teams to play with an eye-catching style.

"He's hungry to succeed, we're hungry to succeed. We are delighted with his appointment."

Kittrick watched his team for the first time on Tuesday when they won a penalty shoot-out at Chester FC in an FA Trophy replay.

The hero was Telford goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge, who saved two spot-kicks as they won the sequence 4-3, having been 1-1 after extra-time, Sam Smith forcing the additional 30 minutes with a goal.

Kittrick praised the resilience of Hedge, saying: “I thought he was at fault for the goal we conceded without a shadow of a doubt, and he knows that.

“But he redeemed himself by making two great saves. They were great strikes and they had to be saved and he has done really well. That will do his confidence the world of good.”

Telford thus booked a second-round tie at AFC Fylde on Saturday, January 10 but before that Telford have a busy Christmas to negotiate, and Kittrick said: “We are going to play some good sides, some average sides and some poor sides and we have got to take the points where we can.”

Like Todd, Andy Pryce will also remain at the club in a coaching capacity.

As part of a longer-term strategy developed by the Telford board, a new head scout will be appointed in the new year, with the task of scouting the Midlands for up-and-coming talent. Steve Kittrick will be part of the process of recruiting this individual."

AFC Telford United's managing director Lee Carter said: "We want to set in place a new longer-term strategy in relation to our football recruitment.

"Very often it's been the last few pounds of the budget we allocate. It now will be a priority."