Spencer Fearn takes charge of Frickley Athletic as club also secure fresh investment

FRICKLEY ATHLETIC have confirmed Spencer Fearn as their new manager while also securing investment from the North of England Football Academy (NEFA).

Frickley will be competing at Step 4 next season after suffering relegation from the Evo-Stik NPL Premier despite welcoming former boss Karl Rose back in March.

Fearn, who has worked for East Stirling and Stockport County off the field, has spent the last two years managing Maltby Main, turning the Northern Counties East League strugglers’ fortunes around.

The new boss joins Frickley alongside Ryan McKnight, the chief executive of North of England Football Academy with both men taking a place on the Athletic board.

McKnight, formerly chief executive at Stockport County, has agreed to help Frickley with “investment and additional assistance” as they look to bounce back from relegation.

Joining Fearn in the dugout at Frickley will be former Harrogate, Guiseley and Scarborough player John Stancliffe, who assisted him at Maltby Main.

McKnight told the club’s website: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with the excellent volunteers and directors at Frickley to help improve the club’s fortunes. The funds we are investing will see stability for the club in the short-term.

“However, to turn that into a long-term success we will need the support of the local community, local businesses and of course supporters, old and new.”

Outgoing chairman Gareth Dando added: “We’d like to welcome Spencer, Ryan and their team to the club and wish them every success in the future.”