Ogden, who is 63, has been out of the game for 18 months while recovering from illness, but feels the challenge at Wincham Park is "an exciting proposition".

Ogden will be officially unveiled by Witton chairman Mark Harris tomorrow, along with Dave MacPherson as player-coach.

Witton received just shy of 30 applications for the job, and Harris said: "Paul Ogden is a highly experienced manager with a proven track record. He has unrivalled contacts and we would be foolish not to take Paul as a serious candidate for the position."

Ogden, pictured, turned down the chance to join Witton three years ago after he had returned to Leek.

He said: "Leek were not in the best of health so I decided to stay, but Witton is a plum job with their training facilities, playing surface and general amenities. The chairman ticked all the right boxes, but my experience is a key factor."

Ogden has been in management for more than 35 years and once took Witton's neighbours, Northwich Victoria, to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

MacPherson on the other hand is a beginner as player-coach, although he has enjoyed a good career at UniBond League level, mostly with Leek Town.

MacPherson, aged 30, also had spells at Stafford Rangers and Witton, and spent last season with Nantwich Town.

Ogden said: "I have always been close to Dave and he wants to become involved and get on the coaching ladder. What better start for him than at a club such as Witton Albion? He created a big impression there before and is still a quality player. He has enough experience to do well."

Witton have been switched from UniBond Division One South to Division One North, so won't be playing the likes of Leek Town, Kidsgrove Athletic and newly-promoted Newcastle Town next season.