FOOTBALL: Maltby Main manager Andy Dawson to leave club after cup final

THIS weekend's Sheffield Senior Cup final will be the last match in charge for Maltby Main FC manager Andy Dawson.

Chairman Wilf Race last week stepped down to concentrate on commercial duties at Muglet Lane, with Kieran Gallagher coming in to take his place.

Dawson is taking the opportunity to bring his near one-year tenure to a close after Saturday night's Senior Cup decider against Emley AFC at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster.

"It's probably a good time to leave," he said, thanking volunteers and players. "I can lead the club into the final, hopefully we can win it and the new era will start from then onwards."

His former co-manager, Lee Whitehead, stepped down from his position at Muglet Lane at the end of the regular season.

The two had been in charge nearly a year, leading the Miners to a solid mid-table finish in the NCEL Premier.

The club said in a statement: "They will always be welcome at Muglet Lane anytime as our guests and we wish them well in any future role they take on in football."

A new management team will come in to work with the new chairman, who most recently held the chairmanship at Kiveton MW until walking away due to problems with bringing about much-needed ground improvements.

He agreed to join Maltby subject to a favourable committee vote, which was forthcoming. Dave Watts will continue as vice chairman.

Gallagher said: "I'm excited by the prospect of taking the club to the next level, improving the facilities and making Maltby a fantastic ground to visit."

Maltby last won the Senior Cup in 1978 but are now set for their successive final, having gone down 3-0 to Worksop Town in last year's decider while under different management.

Kick-off on Saturday is 7.30pm and entry is £10 (adult), £5 (concessions) and U10s (free).