Barnes, a former Heys player, arrives at Adie Moran Park to work alongside Jon Lyons. 

Lyons told https://www.prestwichheys.com: “I think now is the perfect time to bring someone in. I think we have got lucky that someone of Matt’s pedigree is available. He’s done a fantastic job at Barnoldswick and previously at Maine Road, so I was very keen to move quickly and speak to him. I have known Matt for a long time and we had a great meeting. I believe with Matt now on board with myself, Jacob Wood, Danny White and Cathal McLoughlin we can start pushing the club forward again and push for promotion.”

Barnes said: “I’m delighted to be coming on board with Jon as joint manager of a club that I have played for and have continued to follow from afar and I have seen the magnificent work that he has put in over the years.

"Jon spoke to me last Saturday and asked me if I would be interested so we arranged a meeting.

"As soon as we spoke everything just seemed to fit for both myself and Jon and I’m sure we will take the club forward and achieve promotion to the Premier Division.

“I have known Jon for fifteen or sixteen years so I have no doubt everything will work. I’m looking forward to meeting all the lads and preparing for Saturday’s Macron Cup tie at home against a tough Winsford United side “

Barnes, who also played for Salford City, Trafford, Ramsbottom United, Atherton Collieries, Walshaw Sports and Elton Vale has managed at Maine Road and latterly Barnoldswick.

He added, "Since leaving Barnoldswick I have received great support and thank everyone for that but now all I am focused on is my new club Heys. I can’t wait to get back in the dug-out on Saturday. I just want the fans to know myself and Jon know exactly what we want, and we will do everything in our power to get that. I can’t wait to get going”.