FINDING a new assistant manager will be close to the top of Micky Moore's to-do list after being appointed as permanent AFC boss.

Just hours before he was confirmed as the permanent successor to Paul Cox at Holker Street, Moore learned Marcus Bignot had filled the vacant post at National League rivals Chester FC.

Bignot had been working at Barrow for the past two-and-a-half week with the Bluebirds, coming into the back-room team while Moore's appointment was on an interim basis.

Moore would have liked for the pair to carry on working together – building on a relationship that goes back decades and a professional partnership previously in place at Solihull Moors and Grimsby Town.

But Moore has other plans in place now Bignot has gone to Chester – a move he was aware was entirely possible and likely, and which he had spoken with Bignot about every step of the way – with the aim to have an assistant in place for next week's home match against Maidstone United.

“Now I'm two-and-a-half weeks down the line; the lads are used to me, I've got myself into a rhythm, so I won't be in a rush to bring someone in before Sutton. I'm quite happy and content,” said Moore ahead of Saturday's trip to Greater London.

“If Marcus hadn't got the job at Chester, we would have spoken about a position here.

“We thank him for everything he has done here and we wish him all the best.”