Adam Murray: Mansfield Town name midfielder player-manager

Adam Murray is in his third spell with the Stags, having first joined on a loan deal from Derby County in 2002

Mansfield Town have appointed Adam Murray as player-manager, making him the youngest boss in the Football League and Premier League.

Murray had been in caretaker charge following Paul Cox's exit last month.

"This is the proudest day of my career to date," the 33-year-old midfielder told the League Two club's website.

"I'm excited about this challenge and new adventure and I believe I have the knowledge, ability and contacts throughout the game to be successful."

Murray, who is three-and-a-half months younger than Oldham boss Lee Johnson, had previously said he had misgivings about combining his playing assistant role with managing the side.

And he told a news conference he would be concentrating on the coaching side, explaining that "after much consideration the time was right to step into management".

Murray, who has had three separate spells with the Stags as a player, will continue to be assisted by coaches Micky Moore and Richard Cooper.

One of six men interviewed on Tuesday, Derby County youth-team product Murray has taken the Stags into the second round of the FA Cup and overseen the win over Plymouth Argyle - their first in nine league matches.

But they lost their last league match 3-0 away against Luton Town and are 18th in the table.

Murray has made more than 180 appearances for the club and was assistant manager under Cox.

Mansfield face Cambridge United in the FA Cup second round on Saturday.