SKIPTON Bulldogs will have a new man at the helm next season following the resignation of manager David Critchlow.

Robert Wooler, who has been with the club since the days when teams had 'right wingers' - in the footballing sense - accepted an invitation to take over from Critchlow and was meeting the players in his new role on Wednesday.

"We've appointed a man from within the club and hopefully that will stand him in good stead," says spokesman Brian Rudden. "He knows the players and the way we operate and though he will need help to get established, I'm confident he has what it takes to follow in David Critchlow's footsteps."

Critchlow told the club that his future plans were uncertain and rather than take the job on again and then quit mid-season, he would prefer to finish now and give the club a sensible amount of time to find his replacement.

"There has been no falling out about anything and we're grateful to David for fine work he has done for the club in recent seasons," says Rudden.

"He has agreed to sign on as a player until such times as he knows what he is doing."

At this stage, Bulldogs are hopeful that Critchlow's departure will be their only loss, although at this stage of the season, speculation is inevitably rife as to what is happening on the transfer front.

"You hear all sorts of things about player movement and its usually the week before you get underway with league games that you discover who has done what," says Rudden.

"That said, I've heard one or two club officials complaining that they will find it hard to raise a team if their current state of play is any guide."