Darren Edmondson wasn’t the only NPL manager to lose his job at the weekend.
For a day after Workington announced they were making a change, Premier Division rivals Guiseley followed suit.
The Yorkshire club have parted company with manager Mark Bower, along with his assistant Daniel Boshell.
The pair had returned to thew club in April 2024 and enjoyed a successful first season back in charge.
They led the team to the FA Cup first round and also the Premier Division play off final.
Although results up until late January 2025 were strong, a downturn in form saw them finish the season fourth.
Beaten in the play off semi-finals, they were subsequently given a reprieve after Stockton Town’s expulsion but were beaten 2-1 by Worksop Town in the play off final.
Now the club have said that “a change was required” after winning just 10 of their last 33 competitive games.
A club statement said: “The points return and performances over the last 28 league games [are] not befitting of a club wanting to challenge at the top end of the table.
“Inconsistent performances and a continuation of results from February onwards has led the club to making the difficult decision to part ways.”
A 4-1 home defeat by Ilkeston on Saturday was the final straw.
It left Guiseley 14th in the table, eight points and six places better off than the Reds, but from two more games.
Both have lost seven games, but Guiseley have won four to Reds’ one victory.
So both will be looking for a new manager at the same time, although Reds widespread advert went out first.
The Workington directors have given an October 25 deadline for applications and ironically on that day they will be at home to Guiseley.
In their advert Reds say they are seeking “an experienced and motivated First Team Manager to lead Workington AFC through the remainder of the current season and beyond.
“The successful candidate will be responsible for all footballing matters, from player recruitment and squad management to match preparation and performance.”
The new man will be expected to “deliver the results that ensure Workington AFC maintains its Step 3 status this season.”
The club say that essential requirements are – “Demonstrable managerial or coaching experience at semi-professional (Step 4 and above) or professional level.
- “Strong network of player and club contacts within the non-league or lower professional football system.
- “Proven track record of effective recruitment within financial constraints.
- “Excellent communication, leadership, and motivational skills.
- “Commitment to the club’s values, its supporters, and the local community.”
In the meantime Brian Dawson and Billy Redden will take temporary charge.
They held the reins at the end of last season after Mark Fell left and they also had a short spell this season when Edmondson was on leave because of a family illness.
Reds games coming up are: Saturday, Oct 18 – Morpeth (A); Tuesday, Oct 21 – Gainsborough (H) and Saturday, Oct 25 – Guiseley (H).
