SALE Sharks have appointed a local man, Carl Fox, to a new position as managing director.

The appointment has been welcomed by chief executive Peter Deakin, who said, "I am delighted that Carl has joined us. I have effectively been off since July due to illness and Carl will be responsible for day-to-day management of the business.

"Once my treatment has finished, I will be heavily involved in strategic matters for the club as we continue to take Sale Sharks forward, building on what we have achieved already."

Mr Fox, who is 38 and married with four children, has lived all his life in Sale and was educated at the local Brooklands County Primary School before going on to study at Manchester Grammar School and Salford University, where he earned a degree in quantity surveying and construction economics.

After leaving university he worked in the construction industry, later setting up and running his own consultancy and, more recently, moving into business management.

He played mini-rugby at Ashton-on-Mersey and then spent 15 years playing for Old Salians - both clubs being a stone's throw from Heywood Road.

With his knowledge of local rugby, he is keen to establish an alliance between Sale Sharks and other local clubs, including the Sale member's club.

"We all have to work together for the benefit of the game in this region," said Carl.

Peter Deakin is receiving treatment for a brain tumour, which was diagnosed two months ago.