Paul Cook has been appointed manager of Sligo Rovers.  The Englishman succeeds Rob McDonald who resigned four days before the start of the season after just a brief spell in charge.

The club's goalkeeping coach Leo Tierney and under-21 manager Dessie Cawley now relinquish the reins having steered the side in recent weeks on a caretaker basis.

But Cook has indicated both men will remain at the club while he also intends securing an assistant who knows the domestic game.

Cook (40) is a former Burnley, Wolves, Wigan Athletic and Tranmere Rovers player and has agreed a deal that keeps him at the Showgrounds until the end of the 2009 season.

The Liverpudlian finished his playing career with Accrington Stanley - where he also had a coaching role - before hanging up his boots in June last year  to manage Conference side Southport.

Cook has little or no bedding-in time as his first game in charge is tomorrow evening when his team, currently eighth in the table, take on bottom side Waterford United at home.

Waterford are boosted by the return of Robbie Hedderman (broken hand) and Kenny Browne (thigh and groin).

"The return of the two lads is a big boost and I have a full squad to choose from for the first time this season," said manager Gareth Cronin.

"Recent results have been disappointing to say the least but morale in the camp remains high and there is a real hope that we can stop the rot soon.

"We are very close now and all that is needed is a little break and I have no doubt that we can kick start our season."

• Setanta Sports are to broadcast Derry City's home league encounter with Shamrock Rovers on Monday, May 14th as well as St Patrick Athletic's game with Drogheda United at Richmond Park a week later.