Shirley heads south to take Dalton United reins

Ben Shirley will this week take charge of his first West Lancashire League fixture as Dalton United boss after making the short move down the A595.

Shirley has spent all of his coaching days at near neighbours Askam United.

He led the villagers to promotion to West Lancashire League Division One in 2014, as winners of the Second Division.

Ben said: “I’ve had a brilliant couple of years getting back into it at Askam.

"Thanks to these couple of years I’ve got the itch again, and I have always looked to Dalton as a very well-run club.

“I can’t wait to get started, and I’m very much looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

The former Askam reserve team manager will take the Dalton helm from club stalwarts Ian Callison, Phil Rigg and Darren Barker who stepped in last season when previous first team manager Stuart Rutherford stood down at the start of the Covid pandemic.

Ben added: “I am inheriting a good squad and a great set of lads. I want to thank Stuart, Ian, Phil, and Darren for everything they’ve done. Everything is in place for me to come in and do well thanks to them.”

Ben’s team at Railway Meadow has been boosted by the addition of Lindon Cooper, who has left Crooklands Casuals to help run Dalton’s reserve side alongside Darren Thomas.

Dalton chairman Graham Bickerstaff said: “First of all I want to echo what Ben has said and thank Stuart, Phil and Ian for their contribution to the first team over the last few seasons, everyone on the committee is grateful for the effort they put in.

“Looking to the future, the addition of Ben and Lindon to join the two Darren’s, Barker and Thomas, is a huge boost for us, were all excited about what the future holds for the club.”

Dalton United kick off their West Lancashire League campaign with a trip to Carnforth Rangers (kick off 3pm)

• Got a story? Get in touch – click here to find out how young journalists will be helping to bolster the West Lancashire League’s news coverage in 2021/22.