Fawcett has ‘unfinished business’ after securing Whickham return

By Mark Carruthers

Whickham chairman Ross Gregory is hoping for more of the same from newly-appointed manager Tony Fawcett as he returns for a second spell in charge of the Ebac Northern League Division One club.

The former Ryton and Crawcrook Albion boss was quickly appointed as successor to Lee Haldane earlier this week after he parted company with the Lang Jacks following last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at North Shields.

The move sees Fawcett return to Whickham after he enjoyed a productive one-year spell at the club between October 2021 and October 2022, picking up 27 wins in his 47 games in charge.  His second stint will start with a home game against Tow Law Town on Saturday (1pm kick-off) and chairman Gregory is hoping he can enjoy some of the same success.

He told The NLP: “Lee did a fantastic job as Whickham manager and has left the club with some great memories that will last a lifetime, particularly the FA Vase run which was our best in 40 years, and reaching the Durham Challenge Cup final at the Stadium of Light. His work ethic is second to none. The club wishes him all the best with whatever he decides to do next.

“The club wanted to move quickly to appoint a new manager and Tony fitted the bill perfectly. He had a really successful spell at Whickham previously and we hope that he can repeat some of that second time around.”

For Fawcett, the move back to the Glebe offers an opportunity to move on from a disappointing end to his time at Consett and take care of what he described as ‘a bit of unfinished business’ with the Lang Jacks.

He said: “I’m delighted to have to opportunity to work at the club again. Its been a world wind day or two and there wasn’t a second thought in my head once it was offered to me. I thoroughly enjoyed my time previously at the club and it feels like a bit of unfinished business.”