Newquay AFC have confirmed popular former player Shaun Middleton as the club’s new first team manager. 

In a statement the club said: “Following a rigorous interview process, the panel voted unanimously in favour of the man who has been involved in Newquay AFC for most of his life.

“Shaun will bring with him experience and knowledge to the role and, along with an unrivalled coaching team.

“Shaun knows the league, knows players, but importantly he is a Newquay man through and through, keeping it very much local and a strong ambition to ensure we are creating opportunities of development for our academy and Newquay AFC youth players.”

Middleton succeeds Craig Ainslie, who was dismissed earlier this month and has since joined AFC St Austell’s coaching team.

Newquay’s statement went on: “In a time of recent unsettlement following the dismissal of our previous management team, the club have made this appointment to bring stability, appreciation, respectfulness, and a return to the core values and ethics that are instrumental to Newquay AFC as we aim to build on this season’s sixth place finish.

“Shaun and his coaching team share the same values and vision as the club and its supporters, respects developing players and can build together with the club a sustainable operational and financial platform that secures the future of Newquay AFC while still creating a winning culture and positive outlook.”