For the Pindar-based Cook - who played 295 times for Boro and was a key figure in the club's historic promotion into the Football League in 1987 - it is an extension of his present duties as football development officer looking after sides from under-eights through to under-19 level.

The 47-year-old, who also played in Whitby Town's FA Vase winning side at Wembley in 1998, said: "The new team will be a further step in the football development programme in Scarborough with, hopefully, players progressing on to a higher level in the pyramid."

Town, who will be playing home matches on a Saturday at the McCain Sports Ground, are expected to have a free weekend when the season starts on August 9.

Cook's first game in charge will be an away match on August 16. Another away game will follow, with their home debut on August 30 - the first date the McCains ground is available after the cricket season.

The fixtures will be out next week, with a late application from South Bank Football Community Association set to be accepted, making it 15 teams in division two.