MICK Catlin has beaten off 13 rival applicants to be named new manager of Gosport Borough.

He has returned to the Evo-Stik South Premier strugglers as successor to Alex Pike, the man he assisted for nine successful years before stepping down in mid-January with the club in financial turmoil.

Gosport chairman Iain Sellstrom revealed there had been considerable interest in the job but that Catlin was the obvious choice.

"There were 14 applications for the position, including some very interesting ones," he said.

"But Mick knows the club, is under no illusions as to what he has to work with, has in-depth football knowledge and contacts. We decided he was the right fit for us.

"He knows the club, knows the people and players involved and, given our circumstances at present, this was always an advantage. I look forward to working with him.”

Catlin was also assistant to John Robson at Gosport and has had spells in charge of Andover, Wick, Fleet Town and Chichester City.

Last season he filled in at the Winchester City helm while then boss Ian Saunders was away with the Army and, more recently, he has been on the management team at Moneyfields.

Catlin is expected to take training at Privett Park this evening and will take charge of Gosport in Saturday’s home game against Hitchin Town.

He will have his work cut out to revive second-to-bottom Borough who have picked up just one league point from their opening nine games.

A GBFC statement said: "The board and staff at Gosport Borough wish Mick all the very best and urge the club's supporters to get behind him and the team as we look to restore stability at the club, both on and off the pitch."