PAUL Cox has been appointed as the new manager of struggling Guiseley.

The 45-year-old fills the void created by last week’s sacking of Adam Lockwood and his assistant David Penney.

He joins the Nethermoor club having recently resigned as boss of their National League rivals Barrow.

Cox led the Cumbrian club to their highest-ever finish of seventh last season and has previous managerial experience with Eastwood Town, Mansfield Town and Torquay United.

His greatest achievement was guiding Mansfield Town to promotion to the Football League in 2014.

Cox was linked with the vacant job at bottom-of-the table Torquay United before Guiseley moved in and got their man.

His immediate priority is lifting the team out of the relegation zone after a poor start to the season which has seen them take just five points from eight games.

Cox's first game in charge will be Saturday's home clash with Eastleigh, before a trip to his old club Barrow next Tuesday.

A statement issued by the club said: "The Board would like to thank the many expressions of interest in the managerial vacancy but once discussions had taken place with Paul it was obvious that he was our first choice to take over from Adam. 

"Paul is rightly regarded as one of the top managers at this level and we look forward to a long and successful period with him at the helm as we embark on our three to five year plan where we intend to make sure that the club continues to thrive.

"Paul will meet with the players and staff at training tomorrow.

"Paul has wide Playing and Football Management experience, having played for Notts County and Hull City in the Football League, and then in the upper levels of the Non-League game.

"As a Manager he has had considerable success winning championships with both Eastwood Town, and Mansfield Town, taking them into the Football League.

"Most recently Paul has been in charge at Barrow where he enjoyed considerable success.

"We welcome Paul to the Club”