Whitehaven AFC have appointed ex-player Jon Karl Benson as their new head coach and first team manager.
Jon played for Whitehaven AFC for a number of seasons and is following in the footsteps of Billy Redden who departed the club a month ago to pursue other opportunities. Jon has previously played in his youth for Carlisle United and Workington Reds Reserves.
Jon said he is looking forward to a new challenge: “I have been eager to take on a new challenge in recent months, this opportunity which has come about at Whitehaven was the perfect one. I am looking forward to driving the team forward and travelling to clubs across the West Lancashire region.”
Alongside Jon will be newly appointed assistant team manager Chris Rourke who brings years of experience on and off the pitch, Chris has been a regular in the local amateur football scene who now also manages Salterbeck over 35s.
Speaking of his new first team manager, chairman and director of Whitehaven Football Club Ltd Luke Johnston said: “Its fantastic to have Jon working with the club. As an ex-player and experienced football manager I can’t wait to see him progress the first team.
“He is bringing with him a wealth of experience and some fantastic players, some of which have played at a higher level. I can’t wait to see his plans for the new senior football setup.”
Jon and Chris both coached Workington Reds Juniors who went on to win the County Shield when they were U17s, County Cup when they were under 18s and took the team into open age football in the bottom division of the county league. They went on to be promoted shortly before COVID-19.
Also assisting with the coaching setup will be experienced captain Mal Holliday who will be the captain again for the 2021/22 season and will also be assisting with the coaching.
Further news regarding the signing of new players will be announced in due course, the club said.
