Ellison was appointed to the role of manager last midweek following extensive conversations with the Board of Directors.

Ellison spent four seasons at the helm of league rivals Runcorn Linnets until a democratic vote, held between 12 Board members, resulted in Linnets announcing his exit at the end of May.

During his tenure he guided Runcorn to the North West Counties League Premier Division title in 2018 before narrowly missing out on the NPL Division One North West play-offs the following term.

Ellison (pictured) was present as the existing coaching staff took charge of the team at Brighouse.

Club chairman Paul Manning said of his appointment: “Michael has exactly what we are looking for at this point in time for the club. His passion and ambition to win football matches mirrors ours and we are looking forward to seeing our team instilled with Michael’s belief in COLFC’s ability to compete in this league.”

Reed joins the Purps from North West Counties League Premier Division outfit Burscough where he had been since July.

The former Wales Youth international was signed by Ellison for Runcorn Linnets in March 2020 from NWCL Premier Division Winsford United.

He had only joined Winsford in January from their Premier Division rivals, Northwich Victoria.

He played for Manchester United at under-9 level, his junior and youth career later taking him to Liverpool from under-10 to under-14 and Swansea City from under-14 to under-18.

He moved into senior football, playing for Merthyr Town in the Southern League Premier Division South and then Northwich from October to December 2019.

Talented right back Kai Shorrock joins the Purps on dual registration with National League North side Chorley.

Shorrock started out in Premier League Burnley`s academy and had a spell with AFC Fylde before joining the Magpies in the summer.