Attacking midfielder Pilkington becomes the second new signing for the recently appointed Lynch following the arrival of experienced centre-back Billy Priestley.

Pilkington joins the Blues after spells last season with Lancaster City and Bamber Bridge and comes with a CV that shows League One experience with Stockport County and National League North promotion-winning successes with both Barrow and York City.

The Blackburn-born 29-year-old – younger brother of Republic of Ireland international and Wigan Athletic wideman Anthony Pilkington – also played in non-league football’s top tier for Kidderminster Harriers and Hereford United.

“I’ve turned down some good offers from this level and above to come to Clitheroe,” said Pilkington.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining and as soon as Lynchy called to tell me he’d got the job I told him I’d love to sign.

“I know how he works, I know his standards and I will be helping to drive that from within the dressing room.”

Lynch has wasted no time in making his mark back at Shawbridge since the 27-year-old was given the chance to succeed Phil Brown and take on his first player-manager’s role.

“Pilks’ signing is a massive statement for this football club,” said the former Blues’ midfielder.

“He’s up there with the most technically gifted players I have seen in non-league and I’m delighted he has turned down offers from a higher level to join us.

“Danny is the creative influence that any successful team needs and his record speaks for itself.

“I am really looking forward to working with him.”

In a Blues’ squad that made massive strides to finish sixth in the curtailed 2019/20 BetVictor North-West season, they at times lacked a cutting edge.

And director of football Carl Garner – also returning to Shawbridge to add his know-how to the new management set-up – believes Pilkington will be a key recruit.

“Danny is the next quality addition to next season’s squad,” Garner said.

“He will bring experience and a touch of real class to our attacking options and is another lad that knows what it takes to win trophies.”