Workington Reds have appointed their new manager – who has left one of their main rivals for promotion to take the job.
Chris Willcock resigned yesterday afternoon as Ramsbottom manager and was then installed as the new Reds boss.
Willcock, will get his first look at his players in action tomorrow when they visit Consett in a friendly.
He comes steeped in knowledge of football at this level, both as a player and manager.
As a player Willcock played for Flixton, Warrington Town, Altrincham, Netherfield (Kendal Town), Leigh RMI, Mossley and Ramsbottom United before becoming player coach at Salford City.
Indeed he was a key player when Mossley ran Reds so close for the North Western Trains League title in 1999, playing in that epic final game at Borough Park.
As a Mossley player, striker Willcock made 96 appearances scoring 34 goals between 1997/98 season and 2000/01.
Willcock was the NWCL 2nd Division Manager of the Year in 2006/07 after gaining promotion with Winsford United.
He spent 2007/08 at Woodley Sports before internal wranglings precipitated his departure from Lambeth Grove.
After 18 months in charge at Mossley Willcock resigned in January 2010 to briefly become assistant manager to Benny Phillips at Stalybridge Celtic.
He was appointed manager of Winsford United for a second time in the close season of 2010 before returning to Woodley Sports.
Willcock later became manager of Glossop North End and led them to Wembley in the FA Vase and the NWCL title in the 2014-15 season.
He was appointed as manager of Shaw Lane FC in April 2018and following Shaw Lane folding he became manager at Ramsbottom United.
Replacing Mark Fell in October 2018, Willcock has overseen a period where Rammy have been pushing for promotion to the Northern Premier League Premier Division alongside the Reds.
But with the last two campaigns cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, Willcock has stepped away a little over three weeks out from the new campaign kicking off on August 14 at City of Liverpool.
In a statement released by the club, Willcock, also a former player, said: “It is with strong emotions that I announce my decision to resign as manager of Ramsbottom United.
“I am proud of the progression of the team that I will leave behind. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two-and-a-half years spent as manager and I am grateful for the opportunity that the chairman gave me to manage a club that I had previously played for.
“During the time that I have been at the club, it has been a rollercoaster of a ride with some memorable moments and games that will forever be remembered.
“These memories were only made possible through the hardwork and perseverance of a group of dedicated players and a supportive management team who have been truly committed.
“I would also like to thank the fans and volunteers who have shown great support to myself throughout my tenure.”
