Whitehaven AFC have appointed Brian Dawson as their new manager and head coach in the West Lancashire League.
He arrives just as the County Ground side went bottom of the table following Milnthorpe Corinthians 1-1 draw with Cleator Moor Celtic on Saturday.
Whitehaven’s game at CMP had been postponed, but it’s been a turbulent spell for the club following previous manager Jon-Karl Benson’s decision to stand down, while several leading players left.
Dawson, who runs Reds in the Community, has recently had his second spell as caretaker manager with Workington in the NPL before handing over to incoming manager Billy Barr.
His first spell, alongside goalkeeper coach Billy Redden, had been at the end of last season after Mark Fell was sacked and they oversaw the team produce the results that not only avoided the drop but carried them up to 12th in the final table.
Brian will oversee all first team activities at Whitehaven and lead the men’s set-up within the club but will not be taking charge until the new year.
He will also be making a number of appointments to his backroom staff which will be announced in due course.
He brings with him a wealth of experience with his non league playing career including Barrow, Kendal, Workington Reds and Holker Old Boys.
His coaching career spans Millom, Holker Old Boys, Cleator Moor Celtic and more recently assistant manager and latterly interim manager at Workington Reds.
Brian said: “I’m pleased to be joining Amateurs as the facilities here are excellent and I believe the club has real potential. It will be my job now to bring that potential to fruition.
“Our objective this season has to be survival, hopefully we can achieve that and build from there. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
“Unfortunately I have a number of commitments between now and the end of the year which is why I can’t start immediately but I have some irons in the fire about players and hopefully I can get these confirmed.”
His appointment with Whitehaven will not affect his role with Reds in the Community and Academy teams.
Luke Johnston, Whitehaven Club chairman and director said: “We’re proud to welcome Brian as our new first team manager.
“His experience and drive will be invaluable as we push for higher standards on and off the pitch, and we look forward to the journey ahead.”
Until Brian takes charge in January the first team set-up will continue to be managed by Matthew Branthwaite, Callum Morgan, Scott Pears and David Hodgson supported by Steven Kitchen and Paul Smith.
