Lodge aims to revive Magpies

He faces a tough early challenge to stop Chorley's run of four UniBond First Division defeats when his new charges take on early season pace setters Buxton at Victory Park on Saturday.

Lodge, formerly the youth development officer at Accrington Stanley, was appointed last week to the surprise of many fans as Andy Westwell appeared favourite to take the post but it is understood he turned the job down.

Lodge, a former Chorley player in 1997 under Bryan Griffiths, had spells as assistant manager at both Southport and Stalybridge Celtic and was manager of St Helens Town in the North West Counties League before joining Accrington Stanley, firstly as the youth development officer.

As a player he appeared for England Schoolboys and played for Everton as well as Preston North End in 1983 before moving to Bolton Wanderers the following year.

He also has experience in non-league football as captain of Southport and also appeared for Morecambe, Lancaster City and Macclesfield Town before playing for Chorley.

With the Magpies currently joint bottom of the table following the four defeats and just one goal in their first four league matches Lodge is under no illusion as to the challenge he faces.

He said: "We know we have a losing run to deal with and we are doing everything we can to boost confidence in the camp.

"Confidence is a big thing in football and the lads are really looking forward to the challenge.

"Motivation shouldn't be a problem, as it's usual for players to respond to a new manager.

"We can't wait to take on Buxton because they too have been a big club and they are riding high following their promotion.

"We are hoping the fans turn out to give us plenty of vocal backing."

He has brought in Steve Murphy as his assistant and Mark Fell will be his fitness coach while centre-half Martin Clark has been appointed player-coach.

He has worked with the first two before and was a playing colleague of Clark's at Southport.