Former Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Celtic striker Chris Sutton has been confirmed as the new manager of League Two oufit Lincoln City.

The 36-year-old has been handed the reigns at Sincil Bank followling Peter Jackon's departure from the Imps at the beginning of September.

Sutton, who was capped once by England, will be assisted by former team-mate Ian Pearce and will be tasked with improving the club's fortunes - with Lincoln currently lying 19th in the table with nine points from their opening nine games.

A statement on the clubs official website read: "We received over 70 applications for the vacant manager's post and although this double appointment could be seen as a calculated gamble, the board have every confidence in Chris and Ian and are looking forward to working with them.

"Both Chris and Ian impressed every member of the board with their enthusiasm, ambition and preparation and the decision to appoint them was a unanimous one."

Sutton retired from the game in 2007 having scored 110 goals in 410 career appearances and enjoyed his most productive spell during a five-year stay Ewood Park.

Here the Nottingham-born Sutton formed an unstoppable 'S.A.S' partnership with England legend Alan Shearer to fire Blackburn to the Premier League title in the 1993/94 season.