Kendal Town have appointed 42-year-old Craig Dootson as their new manager in the battle to stay in NPL West.
Warren Beattie had to stand-down last month through family issues after a month in the job and his assistant Dave Woodruff took temporary charge.
Chairman Michael O’Neill said: “I’m delighted to say that Dave is staying on as Craig’s assistant, and that was very important to the club.
“They know each other well, are both former Kendal players, and will be a good fit for the club and what we are hoping to do.
“Dave has done a terrific job, taking it on when Warren unfortunately had to stand aside. He made it clear he didn’t want to be the manager but is happy in an assistant’s role.
“It was under Dave that we got our first League away win on Saturday and that was a special moment, which we hope will be a turning point.
“Craig actually watched that game at Colne and was impressed with the spirit in the side. When I introduced him to the squad he made a point of saying how much he had enjoyed that performance, and how the lads were putting bodies on the line deep into injury time.”
Dootson, who until recently had been goalkeeping coach with National North side Chorley, will be in charge of the side at Runcorn Linnets on Saturday.
Ex-goalkeeper Dootson had started with his home town club Preston North End as a 19-year-old without making the first team but his release sparked a career in which he was a popular and familiar figure in northern non-league circles.
Hyde United (110), Stalybridge Celtic (89) and Bamber Bridge (70) provided the bulk of his appearances but he has also played for Leigh RMI, Bradford PA, Hinckley United, Alfreton, Fleetwood, Harrogate and Altrincham.
He also made 23 appearances for Kendal and also in 2019 worked as assistant manager to Steve Edmondson at Parkside Road. He had worked for Salford City as goalkeeping coach before linking-up with Chorley.
O’Neill said: “Once I knew Craig was available I made an approach and I was delighted that he accepted. He has his UEFA licences and really has some great contacts in the game.”
A negative for the new manager was the departure of midfielder Sam Braithwaite, one of Beattie’s signings in his short time at the club. He has joined the North West Counties League One North side Garstang Town.
“It’s unfortunate that Sam has left because we thought he was just the sort of player we needed in the fight to avoid the drop. We tank him for his efforts though and wish him well,” said O’Neill.
