Terry Mitchell, Workington Reds’ popular number two, is leaving the club to join Darlington.
Mitchell will fill a similar role with the Quakers, working with the newly appointed manager Steve Watson.
The pair know each other well as they currently work with Newcastle United Academy.
It’s a blow for Reds boss Danny Grainger who brought in Mitchell early last season to replace the departing Steven Rudd.
Mitchell, who has previously managed West Allotment Celtic, Blyth Spartans and Consett among others, proved to be a perfect foil for Grainger as they guided Reds to promotion last season.
In a statement the club expressed their disappointment at Mitchell’s departure after the New Year’s Day game with Bamber Bridge.
It said: “Terry possesses a wonderful knowledge of the game at all levels and has been a key member of the personnel for the past fifteen months.
Manager Grainger said: “Obviously this has come as a huge shock to myself and the boys because we know how much Terry enjoys working with us and on match days.
“Terry came to the club when Ruddy left at the start of last season and I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for me, the squad and the club in general.
“His commitment has been incredible, travelling over from his north east home and never missing a game or training session. His detail and meticulous planning, which he does in his own time, has been a huge help to me and the team.
“He has played a huge part in getting the club back to the Premier Division of the NPL and will always be made welcome at Borough Park.
“I wish Terry every success for the next chapter of his football journey.”
Mitchell has a wealth of experience, particularly in north east football. He has managed at various levels – he guided Northern League Consett to the Vase final at Wembley three years ago, and managed Blyth in National League North – and as a UFEA A coach, has coached at University of Northumbria, Gateshead, Stockport County, Newcastle United Academy and other clubs.
His new ‘gaffer’ Watson said: “Terry has a huge amount of experience of coaching and managing at various levels of football, and has plenty of contacts. He will be a great asset to us.”
Watson is Darlington’s third manager of the season and they were actually under a caretaker when they knocked Workington out of the FA Cup early in the season.
They are currently struggling next to bottom of National North and eight points from safety.
