DUDLEY Town have appointed former boss Nigel Kirkham as manager on an interim basis.

Kirkham takes the hotseat at The Dell for a temporary period until a permanent successor to Andy Wyton can be found.

Wyton and 14 players moved to Midland Alliance neighbours Gornal Athletic last month - a move that has seen The Robins struggling to fulfil their recent fixture commitments.

Kirkham, who volunteered his services to help Dudley through this difficult period, is no stranger to the club having previously being joint manager with Neil Perks in early 2011 and involved in Town's youth set up in the past.

Chairman Stephen Austin feels he has made a sound appointment who can steer the club through the remaining fixtures of the 2013/14 season.

He said: "Nigel has come in with the blessing of the committee and the under 21 and under 18 managers, who will remain an integral part of the management team until season closes.

"I thank Nigel and the other youth managers for taking an almost impossible task".

The appointment of Kirkham is also aimed at allowing the club ample time to find a permanent successor to Andy Wyton.

Austin is hoping to make an appointment as soon as possible.

"We have had 12 applications so far and these will continue to be assessed, a short list put together and interviews undertaken," he said. "With Nigel coming in we can now take our time with this process and ensure we get the right man for Dudley Town Football Club who will fully integrate our youth structure into his plans."

Kirkham will be in control of the club for the first time tonight when Dudley entertain fourth placed Pegasus Juniors at The Dell (7.45pm ko).