Akrigg has been promoted from his role as Interim First Team Manager and will work in a joint capacity alongside teammate Towey, beginning with Saturday's Hallmark Security League Premier Division fixture at Northwich Victoria.

First Team Coaches Nick Matthews and Paul Jones, Goalkeeper Coach Gaz Hartley and Physio Ron Cook will stay at the Club and form the duo's backroom staff.

Both made significant contributions to last season's Hallmark Security League First Division title winning campaign as players. Akrigg joined the Club in November 2016 from Skelmersdale United, making a telling contribution defensively as Widnes only lost one league game afterwards with Akrigg in the side. Towey is the Club's record goalscorer, having netted 41 times in 56 appearances following his move from Barnton earlier that year.

Both will retain their playing roles going forward.

Chairman Ian Ross said: "We have had some tremendous applicants for the post which really shows how far the Club has come over the last 12 months or so, and we would like to thank everyone who took time out to show interest in working with us.

"Once we became aware that Kev and Ste wanted to have a crack, we had no hesitation in giving them the job.

"The board have been really impressed by both since they've been at the Club, even more so during this period of uncertainty.

"We felt that there wasn't much that needed fixing, and the support that the current players have shown the lads over the last week has made the decision an easy one.

"There is an awful lot happening in and around the Club at the moment. This appointment and the continuity it brings to the Club will be invaluable."