MICHAEL WILDE has been appointed as Colwyn Bay’s new manager.

The striker, who left Connah's Quay Nomads at the end of the campaign, has described his first managerial role as “an exciting project” and he replaces Steve Evans at the helm.

Former Tranmere Rovers, Rotherham United, Chester, Connah’s Quay Nomads and Flint Town United player Danny Harrison will be Wilde’s assistant.

The new Bay management team said in a statement: “We are delighted to be offered this opportunity as we both feel this is perfect timing to progress onto the next stage of our footballing journey.

“This is an exciting project and the hard work starts now to assemble a squad that the club and fans can really get behind.”

Wilde has had a distinguished playing career in the Cymru Premier with The New Saints, Flint Town United and Connah’s Quay Nomads.

The 40-year-old has also played in the English system with Fleetwood Town, Halifax Town and Chester.

Wilde is the Cymru Premier’s third highest top scorer of all time with 235 goals and has won nine Cymru Premier titles, the Welsh Cup six times and the League Cup on five occasions.

He made his last appearance for Nomads in their 2-1 Welsh Cup final win over The New Saints earlier this month.

Wilde inherits a squad which has seen a number of high profile departures in the wake of relegation.

Defender Alex Downes, the supporters player of the season, has announced he is leaving the club.

Downes, who made 107 appearances and scored 22 goals in two spells with the club, said: “Thank you to the club for everything over the last five years.

“Thank you to the best fans in Wales for making me feel like an integral part of the team.

“We have created some special memories, which will never be forgotten.”

Downes’ departure comes after both captain Tom McCready and defender Stefan Edwards retired at the end of the season.