Kirkland will work alongside Colne`s current goalkeeper coach Steve Petty, who has also agreed terms for the coming season.

As a player, Kirkland made 321 appearances in an eighteen-year professional career from 1998 to 2016 and won one cap for England in 2006.

Kirkland started his career at Coventry City where he was regarded as one of the country's most promising young keepers.

He was later signed by Premier League club Liverpool for £6m in August 2001.

Following retirement in August 2016, Kirkland took up coaching with Port Vale and subsequently joined the coaching staff of Liverpool Women where he stayed until March 2019.

Rooney told https://www.colnefootballclub.com: “I’m delighted we have managed to bring a coach with the reputation and experience of Chris to the club. Again, I think this emphasises the ambition and vision of the club and he will be a great addition to the club and provide support both on and off the pitch”.