Scott Dundas replaces Ivan Lodge at Newcastle Town

FORMER Norton United boss Scott Dundas has replaced brother-in-law Ivan Lodge as manager of Evo-Stik NPL Division One South side Newcastle Town.

Lodge underwent emergency surgery in early March to remove a blood clot on the brain and stepped down at the end of the season to focus on his recovery.

Castle finished the season in 14th after losing in the play-offs last term and they have turned to Dundas as their next manager.

He finished the season in charge of Alsager Town but, despite a great run of form towards the end of the campaign, he couldn’t keep the club in the North West Counties League Premier.

He previously had a successful spell as boss of Norton United, leading them to Step 4 and the first round of the FA Cup, before the club folded at the end of the 2014-15 season.

The ex-Witton Albion chief is now back in the Northern Premier League with Newcastle, a club he previously represented as a player.

“This was too good a chance to manage at a level I am familiar with and I am looking forward to getting started,” said Dundas, who is replaced at Alsager by Wayne Brotherton and Michael Lennon.

Newcastle secretary Ray Tatton added: “Scott, a former Newcastle player, already knows the players and is looking to build on the work and ideas in place at the club.

“Scott has a very good record in local football and the club are looking forward to successful seasons ahead under his guidance.

“The club would also like to thank all the applicants for the position. There was a strong field and after much deliberation it was Scott who got the nod from the board.”