The 31-year-old had been acting as interim manager with first-team coach Andy Ballard since David Oldfield left for National League side Weymouth in January.

Jenkins was one of nine coaches shortlisted from more than 50 applicants, before emerging as the outstanding candidate after two stages of interviews.

It comes as City announces their vision to become a full-time club, with the new boss taking the role full-time.

Jenkins played in the Championship for Watford, making 81 appearances as a central midfielder, before his career took him Crawley Town, then to Norway with Poli Timosoara, Pirin Blagoevgrad and Viking and Scotland with Hamilton Academical.

Capped 5 times by England at under-20 level, he retired in his late 20s due to injury and later took a coaching role at Court Place Farm. He has recently earned his UEFA A Licence.

Director of football Justin Merritt told his club`s website: “We conducted a detailed and thorough recruitment process and interviewed several excellent candidates.

“The response was phenomenal, and the standard of applications was impressive.

“Ultimately, Ross shone through and our decision to appoint him was unanimous.

“Ross has a great footballing pedigree and is fully aligned with our new vision to create a young player development model.

“We are delighted to have been able to promote from within the club and nurture talented people”.