DAVE Clark will come up against old side Barrow Raiders next year after being named as head coach of Cumbrian rivals Workington Town.

Clark, who still lives in Barrow, played for Raiders and later had four spells in charge, the most successful being in 2009 when he guided the side to the Championship crown.

He has been handed the reins at Derwent Park following the recent departure of Phil Veivers and is looking forward to trying to help Town rebound from relegation.

“I’m very honoured to join Workington Town,” said Clark. “The directors shared their ambitions with me and I was impressed with how they want to position the club for the future.

“My coaching and player development experience aligns completely with those ambitions and I look forward to what will I’m sure be a very challenging, but enjoyable, 2017 season.”

Clark has also had spells in charge of fellow Kingstone Press League One outfit South Wales Scorpions and the Cumbria Regional Academy.

It was his links to the area which proved the decisive factor for Workington as they look to rebuild with some of the cream of their local amateur talent.

“The board has a specific aim of building a primarily locally based team with a mix of experience and talented youth,” said Workington chairman Garry Mounsey.

“Dave has a background in coaching winning teams as well as International player development experience that is second to none.

"He will be the driving force behind our aim to produce a strong team that can kick on from League One.”