Preece is Scunthorpe’s pick as Chorley begin their hunt for his replacement

Andy Preece says he will work relentlessly to turn Scunthorpe United’s season around - as that’s all he knows.

The Iron have ended their search for Andy Butler’s replacement.

They have selected Chorley’s manager Preece to take the club forward, but the team sit second bottom of the Enterprise National League with just ten points to their name.

The 59-year-old gets down to work right away and will be in the dug-out for Saturday’s home match with Worthing.

Scunthorpe have lost five league matches in a row and Preece knows there is only way to claw their way out of the drop zone.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “I have always admired what the owners have done to get the club back on its feet.

“That passion matches my passion, so does doing things against the odds. The team is in a bit of trouble at the moment, but I want to be the one to get them out of it. After that, we can move the club onwards and upwards.

“I have worked so, so hard over a number of years to get this opportunity and at times it has felt like it was never going to happen.

“But I have never given up. Anybody who knows me will know how hard I have worked to get this opportunity,” he told BBC Humberside.

“This is just the start for me. There is a lot to be done at this football club, but I am ready to get my hands dirty.”

Preece has been in charge of Chorley for four-and-a-half years after joining the coaching staff back in 2018.

He leaves the Magpies in a strong place as the club thanked him for his efforts as they begin the search for his replacement.

“Naturally, this is disappointing news for everybody connected with Chorley Football Club, but we fully understand Andy's decision,” a statement read.

“Opportunities of this nature do not arise often and, after careful consideration, it became clear that this was one he felt he could not turn down.

“Andy leaves Victory Park having made an outstanding contribution to the football club, both on and off the pitch.”