IAN Boden has been appointed as the permanent head coach of Crosfields.

Boden has been in interim charge since Jimmy Williams stepped down from the job last month and has won two of his three games in charge.

Victories over Leigh East and West Bowling have convinced the club to give Boden the job full time.

Steve Pickersgill will continue to act as Boden's assistant, with coaching help also coming from Ash Cornelia and Liam Walsh.

"We have made a lot of changes at the club over the last 18 months and Ian stepped into the role as an interim measure," Soap chairman Mike Donnison said.

"During that time he has brought stability and put us back on the right track, so I am pleased to be able to make his appointment permanent."

Boden has been involved with Crosfields in several capacities for more than two decades, with his most recent role being as head coach of the club's Alliance side.

Donnison says Boden's history with the club makes the appointment even more satisfying.

"It is particularly satisfying to see someone coach through the junior ranks and into the open age and then to head coach," he said.

"It is probably a little earlier than intended for Ian, but he has shown that he is not overawed by the challenge ahead, but looking forward to it with commitment and enthusiasm."

Boden's first game in permanent charge sees Soap host Askam on Saturday.