Marine turn to experienced Tommy Lawson in Evo-Stik NPL Premier relegation battle

FORMER Skelmersdale United manager Tommy Lawson has walked into another Evo-Stik NPL Premier relegation battle after taking the reins at Marine.

The Mariners, currently two places and three points above the relegation zone, have turned to the experienced boss as the replacement for Sean Hessey.

The former Chester, Macclesfield, Accrington Stanley and Barrow defender had led Marine to safety in the past two seasons but with the club struggling again, a change was made earlier this week.

Lawson, 66, left Skem last month after over ten years at the helm following a difficult season which sees United bottom of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier.

While Skem look doomed to relegation, Lawson will be aiming to keep his new club at Step 3 and starts his reign at home to Frickley Athletic on Saturday.

Lawson told the club’s website: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Marine Football Club. The first thing is to secure stability but I am sure with the help of the players and everyone at Marine we can take it on with confidence.

“I look forward to working with the people at Marine in the coming months and to starting my task at training tonight (Thursday).”

Chairman Paul Leary added: “I am delighted that Tommy has agreed to accept the challenge of keeping Marine in the current division by becoming our new manager.

“Tommy’s vast experience in the Merseyside Non-League scene will be a real factor in the coming weeks. We have a target of 50 points for safety and will work tirelessly with him to try to and achieve that.

“It is vitally important that we retain our proud status and I am sure that Tommy is the man to do this and whatever is needed to be done he will have our complete support to do it.”