Darren Caskey Is Gateshead No.2

FORMER Tottenham and Reading midfielder Darren Caskey has become Gary Mills’ assistant at Skrill Premier club Gateshead.

The 39-year-old leaves Evo-Stik NPL Premier club Ilkeston, where he had been assistant to Kevin Wilson and academy coach, to move to the north-east as David Rush’s replacement.

Mills told The NLP: “I had Darren as a player at Notts County and I’ve got to do what’s right for this football club. He understands the level, he understands football and he’s a bubbly character.

“That’s important for me so that when I’m not around, I know that people will have a smile on their faces with Darren holding the fort.”

Wilson was disappointed to lose the man he’d worked with at the New Manor Ground as both Ilkeston Town and in the club’s new form for the past four years, but understood why.

The ex-Northern Ireland striker said: “Darren and I have worked really well together and I’m genuinely sad to see him go.

“But he’s keen to try his luck at the higher level and no one can blame him for that. It also fits that his family have business interests in North Yorkshire and although we have tried hard over the past few days to persuade him to stay, he feels the time is right to move on.”

Caskey was an influential figure in the Ilkeston midfield when the new club secured immediate promotion in their first season two years ago, and he’s played a key role in establishing the Robins’ academy as one of the best in Non-League football.

He officially signed off by coaching the youngsters to a 7-0 win over Deeping Rangers in the FA Youth Cup last night, and Caskey said: “There are a lot of things I’m going to miss about the New Manor Ground.

“It has been a tough decision but Gary has offered me a great opportunity to go higher and for family and footballing reasons, I feel the time is right to move on.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Kevin Wilson and (chairman) Dave Mantle for giving me a chance and I will always follow Ilkeston FC’s progress with a keen interest.”