Austin started his career at Crewe Alexandra, moving on to Burton Albion where he played 221 games.

He subsequently played for Kidderminster Harriers and Brackley Town, finishing his playing career with Northern Premier League Division One South East side Kidsgrove Athletic.

He managed Kidsgrove successfully to the end of last season and now sees some real opportunities with the Bears.

He had opportunities to manage higher up the non-League Pyramid but can see the unlocked potential of a club with the resources it now has at its disposal.

The new working arrangement with Congleton Vale and Congleton Rovers, with all teams playing in the new Congleton Town colours, has created a much larger footballing structure in the town and with access to new training facilities.

Austin (pictured) told the club`s website: “I am really excited and looking forward to joining the club. I’m sure with the existing squad and also some quality additions we can look forward to a successful season and take the club up the football pyramid.”

Austin has already added to the management team by appointing Richard Duffy as his assistant.

Duffy, who was with Austin at Kidsgrove, has played professionally for a number of Football League clubs, including Swansea City, Portsmouth, Coventry City, Port Vale and Notts County.

He has represented Wales at under-17, 19 and under-21 levels and earned 13 caps for his country at senior level. He is also a UEFA ‘A’ licensed coach.

Duffy will continue his playing career with the Bears as well as fulfilling his team management duties and said: “I can’t wait to start working with Ryan and the players and helping the club to progress’.

Anthony Griffith has been running team affairs since the departure of Phil Hadland, until the lockdown.

Griffith, a UEFA ‘B’ licensed coach, is to be retained on the staff as a player-coach and commented: “I am delighted for Ryan and Richard in joining the club. They both come with a wealth of experience in playing and coaching. I will relish the chance to learn from both of them”.