Ford had been assistant to manager Mike Lester at Vodkat League side Rochdale Town since the pair took over the managerial reins at the Castleton Sports Centre in September last year.

Their first game in charge was away at Norton United on the 27th September which Town won 3-2. Rochdale Town secretary Jim Picken said: “We are saddened by the loss of such a popular coach to another club, but of course we wish Darren every success at Mossley. “He was not just assistant-manager, he was also of tremendous help to our keeper Mark Canning at training. “Being a keeper himself, Darren knew exactly the kind of training and pre-match warm up Mark needed, and I’m sure Mark would be the first to agree that Darren’s input had a very positive effect on his performances this season.”

Ford will now coach Mossley keepers Andy Robertson and James Mann as well as continuing his work with Rochdale FC's School of Excellence.

One of the plans put in place since Darren's arrival at Mossley is the launching of a goalkeepeing school at Seel Park for the young (and not so young) goalkeepers in the area. I will provide more information on this as it becomes available.