SCOTT Redhead has been appointed as manager of Holker Old Boys and takes charge of his first game on Saturday.

The former Stags and Bluebirds player and later Barrow AFC assistant, working alongside ex-boss Dave Bayliss, replaces Gary Fawcett who heads to Kendal as boss of the club’s newly formed under-23s side.

Holker – who face Ashton at Rakesmoor in the second round of Reusch First Division Cup at the weekend – are delighted that Millomite Redhead has come on board.

Chairman Dick John thanked Fawcett for all the work he has done for the North West Counties Division One club.

Redhead, 36, whose last position was assistant at Nelson, was interviewed by a football committee at Holker, with John saying: “He approached us and he came over very good so we ended up shaking hands and him taking over. We are quite pleased with that situation. He has got a good CV.

“He did play at the club early on in his career. He will be taking training on Thursday (tonight).

“I think it is a good step for the club. The interview went very well, he knows exactly what the club has to offer.”

John said of Fawcett’s departure: “We do appreciate all of the work that Gary has done for us, he is a good club man as well as manager. He will be missed.”

Former manager Fawcett saw many goals achieved, during his time with Holker which began in June 2013.

He enjoyed his most successful time at Rakesmoor last season when his side reached the Lancashire Trophy semi-finals and the league play-offs.

Holker’s fantastic trophy run saw them knock out Conference North high fliers AFC Fylde in a penalty shootout on their way to the last four before succumbing to Chorley.

Fawcett, who had made himself available to carry on until Holker found a replacement, leaves the Stags with a heavy heart. But he is excited about the opportunities which lay ahead for him at Kendal’s Parkside Road, where he is due to work alongside manager Mike Stringfellow and his assistant Iain Swan.

“Kendal Town offered me a new under-23s manager’s post so I have taken that up,” said Fawcett, who is about to complete his UEFA B coaching badge.

“Holker have been fantastic to me, and I am a bit gutted, but I had to give this a go. It is just a new venture.

“I am gutted I am leaving, they are a great set of lads, a great committee, a great club.

“I have loved every minute of it. It wasn’t (an easy decision) but just talking to the Kendal Town chairman and first team manager it was a good thing for me.”

The under-23s are expected to be used as a feeder side for the Kendal first team who ply their trade in the Evo Stick First Division North.

Fawcett will help to develop good young players, with the side due to face teams in midweek matches from the Evo Stick League system.

He said: “It gives me a little bit of time back as well because it is midweek games that we are playing. It just seemed the right thing to do at the time.”

Fawcett said of Holker: “The club, in my eyes, is by far the best one in the area. It is absolutely spot-on and the people there are just amazing. It was a wrench but I just thought I had to give it a go because you never know when these jobs come up again.”

Redhead comes full circle – interview in tomorrow’s Evening Mail.