GEOFF Walsh is going back to the future after being officially appointed as Collingwood's football manager.

The longtime football administrator resigned from North Melbourne on Sunday, with the club announcing his departure on Monday morning.

Magpies CEO Gary Pert said it was important to install another familiar face into the club as the Magpies sought to return to finals for the first time since 2013.

"Walshy not only has a great knowledge of football, but an intrinsic knowledge of Collingwood, its people and its history, which is particularly relevant as we head into our 125th year," Pert said.

"Geoff understands what is required to create a successful football environment.

"He played a pivotal role in building our last premiership team and under his watch the club featured in finals every year. I think that he is exactly the person Collingwood needs for a stable, seamless transition into 2017.

"I know [coach] Nathan (Buckley) and the football department are looking forward to working alongside a man of Walshy's experience and authority, as is our Board and administration team."

Once the North Melbourne chief executive, Walsh then moved to Collingwood as football boss before returning to Arden Street. 

Now he is set to return to the Magpies for a second time.

Walsh leaves the Kangaroos with North's best wishes.

"I'd like to thank Geoff for his valuable contribution over the past three years," North CEO Carl Dilena said.

"While this is very much an amicable parting of ways, because he is moving to another AFL club, it makes sense for Geoff to finish up with us immediately."

The Pies found themselves in a quandary after newly installed football manager Graeme Allan was suspended for 12 months over the Lachie Whitfield affair.

The situation was made more challenging by Neil Balme's decision to leave for Richmond, after being offered a sideways move to make room for Allan.

It was Balme's second stint as football boss at Collingwood, having spent the interim time at Geelong. 

Walsh had already moved out of day-to-day management of the Kangaroos' football department. 

Cameron Joyce took over as Kangaroos football manager this year.

Walsh left Collingwood in July 2013, and then returned to North later that year.