Rob Sadler and Warren Jones will also join the club as part of the new management team.

Following the departure of Dave Powell last week the club has moved quickly to appoint a new manager following a short application process in which more than 30 candidates applied for the role.

Cooke, 33, joins the club from Northwich Victoria whom he captained last season as they reached the semi-finals of the Buildbase FA Vase and lifted the Mid-Cheshire Cup. 

Prior to his stint with the Vics he made 265 appearances (scoring 40 goals from midfield) in a six-year stint with Atherton Collieries which saw him lift the NWCL Division One, Premier Division, Macron Cup and Evo-Stik League Integro Cup.

Cooke is joined at the club by his assistant Rob Sadler, who also arrives from Northwich Victoria for whom he was the club`s goalkeeping coach.

Sadler has previously spent time as goalkeeping coach with Ramsbottom United and Atherton Collieries as well as time with Atherton LR and Prestwich Heys as a player.

Jones also joins the club as coach having previously been assistant-manager at Atherton Collieries in which he oversaw the team’s promotion from the NWCL followed by a spell as manager of Atherton LR.

Cooke told http://wdcfc.co.uk: “I am delighted to be taking over the management role at West Didsbury & Chorlton Football Club.

“The club has massive potential and I am delighted to have been given this opportunity. I want to say a massive thanks to the committee for putting their trust in me.

“Myself and my management team will be doing everything we can to ensure this club gets back to where we believe it belongs. We want to ensure that we match the progression that has been made off the pitch. I am sure the fans will get behind me, my staff and players and I look forward to meeting you all very soon!

Co-chair Rob McKay spoke of the appointment; “I’m delighted to be able to welcome Brad and his coaching staff to the football club.  As a player, Brad is someone I’ve admired for a long time and is someone who has earned universal respect throughout non-League football for his committed performances on the pitch.

“We had a huge number of responses to our advert for manager and we interviewed four excellent candidates of which all those present were unanimous that Brad and Rob were the clear outstanding choice to take our club forward on the pitch.

“As a person Brad’s not just been a leader but an ambassador for whichever club he’s played for and has been a driving force in galvanising those clubs.  It’s been evident from the first minute that he’s not just passionate about building a football team but also growing a football club. Steve and I are confident that we’re not just in for one of the most exciting seasons ahead but also bright long-term future!”