Cleator Moor Celtic manager Martin Mahone is to stand down at the end of the season and he will be replaced by former Barrow and Workington forward Brian Dawson.
Mahone, who has been involved with the Celtic club for many years, had indicated early in the season that he only wanted to continue in the role until the end of the campaign.
“I started as a 15-year-old playing in the first team and then I coached and was involved in the youth teams. I was chairman for a number of years and I was asked to take charge just before Covid when they were struggling so I agreed.
“It’s a good, competitive League we play in and the club does well to stay at that level. That’s my aim before stepping down, to maintain our status in the North West Counties League Division One.
“I’m finding other things I want to do now but over a lot of years I think I’ve done my bit for the Celtic,” he said.
The current chairman Graeme Close said: “Martin has devoted the best part of his life to the club. He has been a major part in youth development, progressing the club to Step 6 and first team coach during different spells with great success along the way.
“I wish Martin well going forward and I’d also like to extend my thanks to Dene White who has been assistant to the first team coach for the last three seasons and his contribution to the first team/club has also been invaluable.”
Close went on to say that after Mahone had indicated his desire to leave the role at the end of the season the club drew up a shortlist of possible replacements.
“Brian was approached as he ticked all the boxes we were looking for. During conversations it was pleasing to hear we shared the same values, ideas, passion for football and for success,” said Close.
As well as Workington and Barrow, Dawson also played at Kendal Town and Holker Old Boys as well as Wilmington Hammerheads in the USA.
He has coached with Millom in the Lancashire League and Holker Old Boys in the North West Counties League, and also in the States with Seacoast United if New Hampshire.
Dawson will have Craig Routledge as his number two, with the pair having worked together for the last two years. Routledge has also managed Celtic after the departure of John George and was well liked by the players.
Dawson’s appointment next season won’t affect his position as head of Reds in the Community, although it will mean a reappraisal of Workington’s Development Squad who play in the County League.
Reds chairman Dave Bowden said: “We’ve been talking with Brian and I think he’s wanting to test himself as a manager in a very competitive environment. It does not affect his splendid work with Reds in the Community.
“We will be reviewing the Development Squad at the end of the season and see how we move forward with that team.”
Close added: “I would like to thank Workington Reds in the way they have managed this and I hope to build better links with the club going forward.”
