Ex Walsall goalkeeper Lee Harper has been named manager of Kettering Town, following Mark Cooper's move to Peterborough United.
Harper, now 38, was one of a string of keepers who challenged Jimmy Walker unsuccessfully for the Saddler no.1 Jersey and has also previously served Arsenal, QPR and Northampton.
Poppies Chairman Imraan Ladak told his club's website http://www.ketteringtownfc.co.uk/:
“We have known for quite some time that Lee Harper would be a future manager of Kettering Town and although the opportunity has arisen earlier than expected, I am absolutely convinced that Lee is the outstanding choice to continue the incredible progress we made over the last two years with Mark Cooper.
Lee has been a major part of our achievements on and off the field, especially in relation to our defensive and organisational successes and is hugely respected by the players, supporters and officials of Kettering Town. He has worked under a host of outstanding managers (including George Graham, Arsene Wenger, Gerry Francis, Colin Calderwood, and Mark Cooper) and having played in each of the first 6 tiers of English football, his knowledge and experience provides an excellent foundation to build upon."
In taking the job, Harper will now manage former Saddlers Ian Roper and Darren Wrack, two of the Walsall's record appearance makers of recenty times.