Workington coach resigns

Gary Charlton has resigned as coach of Championship club Workington with immediate effect.

Charlton has been in charge since July 2009, alongside Martin Oglanby, guiding the club to the 2011 Championship 1 Grand Final to achieve promotion.

He said: “I am leaving a great club with fantastic people but I know in my heart that I’ve taken the club as far as I can. Alongside Martin, we achieved all the objectives that we were set by the Board of Directors but it is time for the club to move to the next level.

“I have had a brilliant time coaching Workington Town, with some fantastic memories. Appearing in the Championship One Grand Final, winning promotion, qualifying for lastyear’s playoffs and of course 7 victories over Whitehaven in one season stand out.

“But it is the people that are the best memories, the players and back room staff have been unbelievable and did everything Martin and I asked of them, the fans have been supportive, and above all I have worked with a brilliant Board of Directors.”

Workington will now be seeking to make a coaching appointment as soon as possible.

Vice chairman Mark Fryer said: “When Dave Bowden and I interviewed and appointed Gary and Martin we asked them to get us promotion, develop the best local players and to do this on a limited budget. 

“In return, we promised them time and patience to achieve it. Gary has been a massive influence in getting us to where we are today, and it’s doubtful that any other coach would have put in nearly 5 seasons work to achieve it. We all have a very close bond with Gary which I know will continue in the future.”