Ian will be hoping to replicate his introduction here as a player when he starts his stint in the technical area.

Back in 1973, Ian’s first four games for the club resulted in three draws and a win and a similar run over the festive period would get the revival plan off to a great start.

Ian (pictured) began his career with hometown club Barrow but signed for Reds in a £3,000 transaction on 8th February, 1973 making his home debut two days later – a 0-0 draw against Hartlepool. His first goal for the club secured a 1-0 win over Colchester United.

After playing the final sixteen games of the 72-73 campaign, Ian remained a fixture in the side the following season when he struck a rich seam of form. He had scored against Carlisle United in a League Cup tie earlier in the season then a wonder goal against Newport County at Borough Park had the scouts flocking to check out a special talent.

He played, and scored, in the first Sunday game here (a 5-2 victory over Darlington) and that would be his 45th and final appearance for Reds prior to a club record transfer to Liverpool on 23rd January, 1974. The club had to sell to survive in those days and supporters were given the impression that Ian would be staying after the transfers of John Rowlands (to Crewe Alexandra) and Jimmy Goodfellow (to Rotherham United).

However, when Liverpool came in with a bid ten times greater than Reds’ initial outlay, the young Barrovian was off to Liverpool.

It didn't quite work out at Anfield but Ian, undeterred, built up a distinguished Football League career eventually topping 600 appearances for the likes of Colchester United, Mansfield Town, York City and Aldershot.

It didn't end there either, with coaching, managerial and scouting duties keeping him in the game for the best part of forty five years.

Ian, elder brother of fellow Barrow and Reds player, Neil, will take his first training session at Penrith on Thursday and is looking forward to his first game in charge at Leamington on Saturday.

He has appointed former Burnley player, Ashley Hoskin, as his assistant and the pair bring a wealth of experience to the club.

When Ian left Borough Park in 1974, Reds occupied 22nd position in the old Fourth Division. Forty years on, we are similarly placed in Conference North – deep in relegation trouble!

He goes into this most difficult of tasks with our good wishes.