Forgotten Premier League star takes over as manager of ninth-tier club and Pep Guardiola ‘inspired’ him

Former Tottenham and Wigan star Pascal Chimbonda has taken over as the manager of Skelmersdale United in the ninth tier of English football.

The ex-defender has succeeded Matt Potter at the North West Counties League Premier Division side.

The 44-year-old has taken his first job in management in the process and says he has been inspired by Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.

«This is a very proud day for me,» said Chimbonda, 44.

«It is a great honour to become manager of a club with a history as rich as that of Skelmersdale United Football Club.

»I've been inspired by Guardiola, Mourinho, Simeone and Zidane, and as such just like those great managers, my philosophy will be to play attractive football."

Chimbonda is best remembered for his spells in the Premier League with Tottenham and Wigan, playing for Spurs across two spells.

But he also played for several other top clubs including Sunderland., Blackburn and QPR.

As his career approached its end, Chimbonda's love of football did not diminish as he happily went down the tiers to continue playing.

Some of the non-league clubs he played for include Market Drayton Town, Washington and Ascot Town.

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Chimbonda will take charge of his first game on Wednesday when Skelmersdale United take on Kendal Town in the Macron Cup.

The Lancashire outfit finished 11th in the Northern Premier League Division One West last season, the eighth tier of English football.

However, they were relegated as their