New boss David Lynch has wasted no time in making his mark at Shawbridge with the capture of experienced central defender Billy Priestley on a one-year deal.

Priestley, a former team-mate of the Blues’ boss at National League North outfit Southport, signed a contract under strict social distancing guidelines to become Lynch’s first recruit since replacing Phil Brown as manager last weekend.

“Billy epitomises the type of character I am looking for at the football club,” said Lynch.

“We have worked hard to get this sorted and I am delighted it’s over the line.

“Billy has massive experience in the higher levels of the non-league pyramid and has been involved in numerous promotion-winning sides.

“He has shown me that he is committed to Clitheroe for the right reasons and shares the same enthusiasm for where we want to take the football club.

“I know what I will be getting from him week-in, week-out and that’s why he was one of our main targets.”

Burnley-born Priestley was a title winner in the Blues’ current division with Ramsbottom United before helping Salford City secure promotion from the Northern Premier League’s top flight.

The imposing centre-back then tasted National League North football with Southport, FC United (on loan) Alfreton Town and Bradford Park Avenue, where he finished a second spell last season.

“I can’t wait to start this new chapter in my career, playing for a great friend I have previously played alongside,” said Priestley, who turns 31 next week.

“He has always been very professional and a dedicated player with a massive heart and desire to win, which he will take into management.

“Clitheroe has always been a good club and now it’s on its way up, I hope everyone will jump on the journey with us.”

Having spoken to all the members of last season’s squad which secured an impressive sixth-place finish under Brown in a campaign curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Lynch has identified the kind of targets he wants to add to develop a side capable of challenging for promotion.

Lynch heads up a new management team including ex-England Under-21 international and Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City midfielder Chris Holland as his assistant, with former Blues manager and chairman Carl Garner appointed as the club’s first Director of Football.

And Garner – who has spent the last five seasons working in player recruitment and scouting for Fleetwood Town, Stockport County and Chester FC – believes the capture of Priestley represents the perfect way to start a new era at Shawbridge.

“Billy joining us on a contract basis is a great coup for the club,” he said.

“He’s a great character and an old-school centre-half, who’s strong and quick.

“We have worked hard to get him to Clitheroe and he sets the bar for the quality of player we are looking to recruit into the football club.”