Rogers takes over at Skem

THERE has been plenty going on at Skelmersdale United this weekend after manager Tommy Lawson left the club after 11 years of service.

Lawson departed following a disappointing season which has seen Skem drop to the bottom of the league table.

Former Premier League star Alan Rogers has taken over as Skelmersdale hope to secure safety and avoid relegation.

Rogers made over 200 appearances for Nottingham Forest, winning the Championship title on the way to the English top flight and he has worked in managerial and coaching roles at Sligo Rovers, Tranmere Rovers and Burnley.

Lawson was in charge from 2006 but following four successive defeats and failure to pick up a victory since the 2-0 win over Ilkeston in November, the club admitted it needed to search elsewhere to bring a change.

A statement on the club’s website read, “Tommy [Lawson] has worked within a limited budget over the past few weeks, with the club bottom of the Northern Premier League.

“It is with regret that the club have to look elsewhere for a new man to take the helm and try to turn around the club’s fortunes.

“Skelmersdale United would like to thank Tommy for the time and commitment he gave the club and for what he did for the club both on and off the field.

“The club would also like to put on record their thanks to Assistant Manager Tony Sullivan for his work over the past few months and Coach Dominic Finnigan for all his work over the last few years.”

Skelmersdale hope to return to action this Saturday when they take on Whitby Town in the latest league fixture.