Profile: Darren Finch is a former footballer with extensive coaching experience in the UK and abroad and holds more than 30 professional coaching qualifications with organisations including the FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and the Football League and includes a UEFA A Licence holder, FA Academy Managers Licence.

Darren Finch is a highly motivated and passionate supporter of raising standards and getting the best out of elite footballers.

A former Blackburn Rovers, Chesterfield and Accrington Stanley player, Darren has gone on to progress into the coaching side of football and has worked with Burnley Football Club, Manchester United, Ohio South Youth Soccer Association, Cincinatti Soccer Club, Daytona Gems Football Club, Cincinnati United Premier Soccer Club, Burnley FC (second time), Preston North End and even stepped up as assistant manager at Burscough FC during early 2011.

A coach with vast experience that also includes the international stage with Steve McLaren and England, Darren has spent many years coaching youngsters of all ages from centre of excellence, to academy status, to youth team level and onto full professional.

Darren joined the Shakers as centre of excellence manager towards the start of this season and the club are already seeing the results of his experience.