STEVE Noakes has been appointed assistant first team manager to Antony Millerick at Hartley Wintney.

Noakes is well known in the non-league game, having featured heavily for Met Police for several seasons until joining the Row ahead of the 2014/15 season, taking on the captaincy.

His presence on the pitch, as well as his ability as a right-sided and central defender, helped guide Hartley Wintney from the Combined Counties League to the Southern League.

He was also instrumental in helping to secure several memorable cup wins, and chipping in with important goals.

Manager Anthony Millerick was delighted to announce Noakes as his number two.

Millerick said: "Having known club legend Noakesy for 15 years, both as a player and as a manager, I'm delighted he will be bringing his vast knowledge into our dressing room as assistant manager.

"He is a born winner, his determined nature will undoubtedly rub off on the players.”

Noakes joins a strong backroom staff at the North Hampshire club, comprising coaches Mark Hurst, Keith Benjamin, Sam Rafique and Neil Woodyer, along with sports therapist Mark Povey.