Ex-Peterborough United men take over at Deeping Rangers

The pair move across from Stamford-based Blackstones FC who play in United Counties Division One, the division below Deeping.

Michael Goode quit as Deeping boss after five years in the hotseat last month. His assistant Jack Marsden had been a frontrunner to replace him.

Deeping chairman Paul Smith said: “Lee and Dan have a hard task to follow Mike Goode and his team, but they are ready and ‘well up’ for the challenge.

“We had a high number of good applicants with Dan and Lee impressing the club on their vision and aspirations, which fitted our requirements very well, and we look forward to working with them as we face the challenges that this uncertain time could present us.”

French added: “Both Lee and I are excited and ready for the challenge of managing Deeping Rangers.

“It’s an opportunity that we feel has come at the right time for us both at a football and personal level.

“We recognise the great work that has already been done here and our aim is to continue that whilst adding our stamp along the way to progress the club from the top to the bottom.

“We are looking forward to getting started and are thankful to the club for giving us this opportunity.”

Clarke made three substitute appearances for Posh in the early noughties, while French played 22 times (19 as a sub) after graduating from the Posh Academy in 1998.

Deeping were sixth in the ULC Premier Division when the season finished early. Blackstones were seventh in Division One.