NPL Division One East
Wayne Benn has taken charge of Frickley Athletic, ending the search for Dave Frecklington’s replacement.
Benn will now pick up the pieces of Frickley’s relegation and rebuild them in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
Local lad Benn, who played for Frickley in the mid-2000s and is best known in management circles for leading Hemsworth Miners Welfare to the NCEL Division One title in 2016, has been out of management since leaving Ossett United before Christmas.
Long-term assistant Andy Hayward – another ex-Frickley player and assistant – will be alongside him in the Westfield Lane dugout.
Frickley’s statement: “We had a number of conversations with candidates in the weeks, following the end of what was a hugely disappointing season, before making the decision and we would like to thank all those who expressed an interest.
“We can start to move the club forward through the first team, the academy and the foundation bringing us closer to the community we are in.”
“In addition to appointing Wayne, we have a number of new people joining us at the club bringing experience, enthusiasm and a fresh approach to create what we all hope will be an exciting period on and off the pitch.
“Wayne is well known throughout non-league football in Yorkshire. He’s the right fit for us as a club as we look to rebuild and start the task of getting back up the leagues.
“His experience at NCEL and above, the local contacts and his overwhelming appetite for the job made him the right choice.”