Whitehaven manager Jon-Karl Benson has stood down after three years in charge of the West Lancashire League side.
Benson told the players before Saturday’s game at Burscough Richmond which they lost 3-0 and are now next to bottom of the Premier Division table.
He told Cumbria Crack: “I’ve been thinking about it for a few weeks now. I’m not sure if it’s the right decision, only time will tell.
“I’ve left on my terms and Carl Short will take overt as manager while coach Chris Rourke will decide if he’s staying over the next few weels.
“I’ve still got a great relationship with everyone at the club and they are in safe hands. I just think it’s time for a break and a chance to recharge the batteries.
“In the end it wasn’t an easy decision and I got a bit upset telling the lads. I will miss it but I think the time is right for Carl to take over the reins.”
Before the trip to Burscough the County Ground side had lost the west Cumbrian derby last Tuesday, going down 2-0 at Cleator Moor Celtic.
For the game at Burscough they brought in four reserves and two 16-year-olds to cover for bank holiday absentees and they all played well in the defeat.
Celtic are level on points with Whitehaven and are third bottom with a minus six goal difference, compared to Haven’s minus eight.
Short will start his reign as manager with a trip to CMB on Saturday and although they were one of the top sides last season they have lost three times so far and lie 7th in the table.
Celtic are at home to Poulton who are sixth and level on points with CMB.
