Dave Frecklington is back in Non-League as the new manager of Northern Premier League Frickley Athletic.
The former Spalding United, Shepshed Dynamo, Lincoln United, Gainsborough Trinity and Matlock Town boss, pictured, was unveiled by the Blues as the successor to Craig Spink on Tuesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after his predecessor's departure.
Spink's resignation in the wake of Saturday's 3-1 defeat at home to Worksop Town had left the BetVictor NPL South East Division club looking for a new manager less than a month in to the new season.
Former Harworth boss Spink, who took charge in May as the successor to Martin McIntosh, left with with Frickley Athletic propping up the league table with five defeats from five games. Tadcaster Albion also sent them crashing out of the FA Cup when they arrived at Westfield Lane.
The Blues said: “Frickley Athletic are delighted to announce the appointment of David Frecklington as the first team manager. He will take charge of training this Thursday and his first game will be versus Wisbech this Saturday.”
Sporting director Spencer Fearn had been due to take temporary charge of the team before the early announcement of Frecklington's arrival.
He said: “This is a great appointment for our club. Dave has a fantastic track record and had success at Spalding and Lincoln before joining Gainsborough in the Conference North where he achieved the objective of keeping the club in the division, whilst also reaching the FA Cup first round and winning the Lincs Senior Cup.
“He also made a real impact at Matlock when he joined last season, a team in a similar position to ours and put together an outstanding run of results. He has an excellent contact base, promotes the youth players if they are ready and has an in depth knowledge of the league.”
Frecklington told the club's website and social media channels he was delighted to answer the club's call. “Everything just felt right from the outset and you just get a feeling about a place,” he said.
“Having played and managed against Frickley I know how difficult it is to come and get a result here so we need to get that back at the club and make it a fortress once again.
“The biggest factor in my commitment to the two year deal is the professional environment that's been created to support the first team from above and below. The set up is fantastic and is one that can operate further up the pyramid for sure.”
He added: “Although our situation isn't great at the moment I'm very confident that with the support from everyone connected with the football we can get our season up and running.”
Spink has also thanked fans and the club's volunteers for their support during his short reign. “Thank you to everyone who made my return, although brief, a very enjoyable time, from Spencer to the media team to the fans, to all the volunteers,” said Spink.
He was thanked for his services in a club statement on Monday announcing his departure. The Blues said: “The club would like to thank Craig for his hard work and dedication during this period and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
