I’ll stay in football says Tom

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 clubs fortunes”.

Saturday’s fixture against Spennymoor was postponed following poor weather and Lawson admitted he was hoping to come down and watch his former club play.

“I was disappointed Saturday’s game wasn’t on. I would have been going to the game. They are my local team,” said Lawson.

“I’m very proud to have been associated with them and of course, I’ll watch with interest. If I get the chance, I’ll go to the games.

“I’m hoping there is a club out there with an ambitious committee, with a drive and commitment that will match mine, and I will be happy to go back into management.

“I will take football in on a Saturday and certainly won’t be shopping! It’s a big part of my life and it’s something I will really enjoy”.