Frickley Athletic assistant leaves after ‘beating up’ rival manager

JAMES DUDGEON has left his role as assistant manager at Frickley Athletic after he allegedly ‘beat up’ Salford City joint-manager Anthony Johnson.

The pair clashed just before half time in Saturday’s Evo-Stik NPL Premier game and Dudgeon was subsequently sent to the stands by referee Geoffrey Liddle after he consulted the other officials.

Salford secretary Andy Giblin told the Manchester Evening News: “Anthony and Dudgeon were having words throughout the first half which is quite normal.

“But then as at one point Anthony turned his back and was struck a number of times.

“In the immediate aftermath there was a bit of pushing and shoving between players but the referee calmed things down. After that he had a chat with the linesman and sent off Dudgeon.”

After the game, which Salford won 1-0 despite going down to nine men, Johnson’s fellow joint-boss Bernard Morley said: “It’s not nice to see your best mate and joint manager get beat up, he was hit four or five times.

“He’s a big fella, the lad that did it, but justice was done and he was sent off. I just hope Anthony’s alright.”

Frickley announced on Sunday that Dudgeon, a former defender for the likes of Barnsley, Lincoln City, Worksop Town and York City, had left Westfield Lane.

“Following events at yesterday’s game against Salford City the Blues’ assistant manager James Dudgeon has left the club,” a statement read.

“All at Frickley Athletic thank ‘Dudge’ for his efforts during over three years at the club and wish him well in the future.”