He remains the all-time leading points scorer for Sale FC, where he won two promotions and a Cheshire Cup as captain, but he has also made a name for himself at some of the other leading clubs in the region.

After representing Great Britain at academy level in rugby league, he joined St Helens, where he played between 2002-2006 before moving to Swinton Lions for four seasons.

He then spent the next decade in rugby union’s national leagues with Waterloo and Chester before joining Sale.

His coaching background is similarly impressive, including time spent as head coach at Anselmians and as backs coach at Rossendale.

Most recently he has been attack and backs coach at Glossop where he scored 300 points last season.

McGovern said: “I’ve heard really good things about Didsbury Toc H from lots of different people who I respect in the game.

“The feedback I have received about the club is that Didsbury is a vibrant club that plays attractive rugby, with a talented group of players.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting the players, staff and members and hopefully carry on the great foundations that Jamie [Peacock] and the players have laid.

“Next season is sure to be a very competitive league structure but I believe with the playing group we have and the brand of rugby we will be looking to play, Didsbury Toc H will be a very entertaining place to be.”

Toc H’s 1st XV narrowly missed out on promotion to Regional 2 North West (Level 6) last year, finishing second to Liverpool St Helens.

The ADM Counties 1 (Lancashire & Cheshire) promises to be even more competitive this year, with local rivals Broughton Park and Wilmslow dropping down from Level 6, and with another derby to add to the calendar after Heaton Moor gained a well-earned promotion from Level 8.

Outgoing DOR, Jamie Peacock said: “We are delighted to have attracted the quality of candidates that we did, and Liam was the pick of the bunch.

“How he likes to play is consistent with how we want to play, so that should make this transition smoother.

“Also, his playing credentials are undeniable and I think his experience, not to mention his goal-kicking, which has been unreliable for us at times, will make a massive difference on the pitch.

“What shone through from speaking to Liam was his attention to detail and professionalism and I think this two things will benefit the playing group hugely.”

McGovern will be assisted by two other new coaching appointments with national league playing experience.

Matt Reid steps up as forwards coach, replacing Jonathan Beardmore, and Dr Tom Quigley as backs coach.