Barnsley have appointed prominent solicitor and former director of Manchester United Maurice Watkins as their new chairman and his message is – Barnsley means business.

The Chronicle reported in October that the Manchester-based lawyer, who was on the board at Old Trafford from 1984 until last June, was set to become temporary chairman while the club negotiated with consortiums over a potential takeover.

But, while there have been several groups interested in buying the club throughout the season that just ended, Watkins has told the Chronicle that his appointment could be seen as a statement of intent from Patrick Cryne to stay on as owner. Watkins and Cryne have been friends since the Barnsley owner's son attended Manchester Grammar School, where Watkins is a governor.

The new chairman has met manager David Flitcroft when attending games at Oakwell in the past and will speak to him in his new capacity when the Reds boss returns from holiday next week. The pair will work together to build the playing squad for next season and Watkins will also be involved in long-term strategic planning for the club as he uses his extensive experience of working with Manchester United, FIFA, UEFA and the governing bodies of various other sports.

"I am the chairman and the non-executive director," Watkins told the Chronicle.

"I won't be involved in the nitty gritty such as rearranging fixtures but will focus on dealing with players, agents and the league. I like the feel of the club and the atmosphere at Oakwell and I want to help them become really established in the Championship and make sure the fans really enjoy their football experience.

"A lot of clubs have a chairman and an owner. The fact that I have been given his role, which I see as a long-term role, would suggest that Patrick intends to stay at the club but football is an odd sport and you can never say never about a takeover."

Watkins works as a senior partner in law firm Brabners Chaffe Street and is involved in a host of boards and trusts but he insist he will have plenty of time to devote to the Reds. He said: "I will be able to perform all of my roles efficiently. All of them are priorities in my eyes but Barnsley is my newest and I am looking forward to it."

Watkins spent 28 years at Manchester United in which he was the director of the board, handled the appointment of Sir Alex Ferguson as well as many high value transfers and was Eric Cantona's lawyer following his imfamous 'flying kick' on Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons. He was also a key participant in the formation of the Premiership and the drafting of its rules.

He formed Manchester United PLC in 1991 which became one of the most successful football brands in the world. He has worked closely with both FIFA and UEFA during their negotiations with the European Commission to agree new rules for international player transfers and with the PFA and Premier League to avert a players' strike.

Watkins, who claims to work seven days a week, said: "It's great to be back in football at club level and my message is loud and clear – Barnsley means business. It is a privilege to be asked by the board to take on this role. The Championship is a hard league with many great clubs and when you think a team was relegated last season on 54 points that sums up the quality. Our task now is to make progress in the league, strengthen our position and get even more fans behind the club."

Cryne's health has been poor in recent years and he has an ongoing court case after being accused of 'cooking the books' of his IT company Isoft. The Barnsley man, who rescued the club from financial problems, believes Watkins is the right man to lead the Reds.

Cryne said: "The club has operated without a board chairman for some time and I have listened to what fans have been saying about needing strong, new leadership to take the club forward.

"Many people will know Maurice from Manchester United but what they won't know is that he operates in a range of different commercial spheres and sports interests. He is a sound strategic thinker and very clear on how to organise and run a football club."