Athersley Recreation have announced that Shane Kelsey will move up from the playing squad to become the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division club's manager at the start of next season.

The current campaign has been a disappointing one for the Rec who find themselves at the bottom of the table with decisions yet to be made as to how the season will finish due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.

A statement released by the club's chairman Michael Shepherd said: "During the current uncertainty surrounding everyday life, not just in the UK but around the world, preparations still have to put in place for when things return to some sort of normality.

"With this in mind, over the last few weeks Athersley Recreation FC have been been putting plans in place for moving forward.

"Pete Goodlad who has been acting as interim manager will be standing down at the conclusion of the current season to enable him to fully concentrate on his role as general manager of the club.

"From the beginning of the start of the next football season, whenever that may be, the club are delighted to announce that Shane Kelsey has been appointed as first team manager, taking responsibility for all matters pertaining to the football playing side of the club.

"Having a wealth of experience in non-league football, as well as an intimate knowledge of Athersley Recreation FC's ethics, the club feel that Shane is an ideal fit for their vision going forward.

"In discussions with Shane, the club have agreed to adopt his strategy of having coaches rather than assistant managers in place, giving him a far more flexible team to work alongside to try and ensure that all members feel that everyone is approachable.

"The coaches that will be working alongside Shane are Ryan Eastwood, Kevan Locke, Chris Rix and Tony Wigfull.

"Working in tandem with Shane managing the reserves will be Adam White and Richard Liversedge.

"Also to enhance our coaching facilities, we will from time-to-time be accessing the services of a coaching mentor to assist in further development of our playing squad.

"The club wish Shane and his team all the very best and look forward with great anticipation to working with them to see how their infectious enthusiasm strives to move the club's development forward."