Whitehaven have appointed a new coach for their West Lancashire League team.
Carl Short will work alongside team manager Jon Karl Benson and his assistant Chris Rourke.
Benson said: “Carl’s experience will help us move to the next level in our journey in the West Lancs League.
“With his football knowledge he will improve us tactically, especially with the experience he has through coaching at other clubs.
“Carl has only been with us a few weeks but we are already noticing a huge improvement in the players’ continuous development.”
Short, who was awarded his UEFA A licence in 2019, has previously spent a number of years coaching in Luton Town’s Academy and also spent time with Carlisle United’s youth development programme.
His arrival has also seen an up-turn in fortunes on the field as they scored a 2-1 League victory over Tempest United at the week-end to make it three wins in their last three games.
Assistant manager Rourke said: “Hopefully this is the start of a run. Our League form has been desperate. Until this run we hadn’t won since October and it’s been tough.
“The lads have stuck at it and players returning from injury and suspension has definitely helped bring some stability to the squad.
“Also the arrival of our new coach Carl has given the whole club a lift.
“He has really hit the ground running and his qualifications, experience and knowledge of the game has had a lot to do with our recent upsurge in form.
“Credit has to go to the players who have had to adjust to the new programme. They have fully committed and we are already seeing huge improvements.
“There’s a buzz around the club and we are all excited for the future.”
Their latest game against Tempest United had started in nervy fashion and chances were at a premium.
Brad Harrison was unlucky not to open the scoring when he climbed highest to reach a cross but saw a great header come back off the bar.
A disallowed goal for Whitehaven and a few half chances were the only other talking points during the first half.
But it wasn’t long into the second-half before the deadlock was broken.
Joel Shorthouse made it 1-0 for Tempest on 50 minutes when the Whitehaven defence hadn’t dealt properly with a left wing cross.
It didn’t take long for the opener to be levelled – 49 seconds in fact.
Whitehaven kept the ball well from kick-off to make inroads upfield where a mistake by a Tempest defender was jumped on by Owen Woodburn.
He found Kian Goulding in space to pick a lovely pass in to new signing George Frampton who had time to square for a tap in by Travis Fyfe.
Nine minutes later it was 2-1 to Whitehaven as Goulding scored what would prove to be the winner.
Tempest pushed for an equaliser but Whitehaven’s defence held strong and saw out the game for the three points.
Whitehaven next travel to Hurst Green which is the start of four away games in a row.
The West Cumbrians lie tenth in a 16-strong League with Hurst Green two places and four points below them, but with a game in hand.
