COLWYN Bay have moved swiftly to appoint a successor to Alan Morgan after naming assistant Craig Hogg as their new boss.

The Seagulls initially appointed Hogg on a caretaker basis following the departure of Morgan for “economic reasons” earlier this week, but after discussions with the Bay board the 36-year-old was given the role on a permanent basis.

He will now lead the Evo-stik League West Division side for the first time during their trip to Clitheroe on Saturday.

Hogg has worked as an assistant for the last seven years and also represented Colwyn Bay as a player following his release from Everton at aged 20.

He is currently working towards his UEFA A Licence, with coach and former Bay skipper Neil Coverley agreeing to remain at the club as assistant manager.

Hogg, said: “I feel very privileged to have been appointed manager of Colwyn Bay FC.

“Colwyn Bay is a big club in North Wales and I know how fortunate I am for this to be my first job in management.

“The irony hasn’t escaped me that my first job as a manager is with the club I first joined as a 20 year old player, after my release from Everton.

“I’ve learnt a great deal during the last seven years’ as an assistant and I’ve given that role everything, I fully intend to do the same now whilst continuing my evolution as a coach and now manager.

“Neil Coverley as agreed to take the role of assistant manager and I’m delighted by that. He and I are really looking forward to working with all at the club and we aim to give our loyal fans something to be proud of on this journey.”

Hogg added that he will looking to keep faith with the majority of his talented young squad, and will look to add reinforcements “as the need requires”.

“We have a good squad in place and players will be given their chance,” added Hogg.