Ryton & Crawcrook Albion have today appointed Nathan Beckham as Manager of the First Team after Joe Kendrick was forced to step aside from the role due to work commitments.

Kendrick, who succeeded Daniel Iredale at Kingsley Park in September, will remain at the Club as part of the new management team.

Beckham had a successful spell as manager of Killingworth in the Northern Football Alliance Premier Division until last season and joins from First Division side West Allotment Celtic, where he was assistant manager.

Andrew Waugh has also joined as Assistant Manager from Whitley Bay Reserves while Jack Moore and Ryan Craven will remain as part of the coaching set up.

Beckham said: “I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to be part of such a good Club and look forward to getting started.

“I’ve enjoyed being part of a great group at West Allotment which has just added to my hunger for success.

“We are looking to have a strong end to the season with big ambitions for the Club going forward.”

Kendrick added: “I’m delighted Nathan and Andy have agreed to join the Club and I think these appointments will take the club onto the next level supported by myself and the committee.

“Nathan is someone I know well and he achieved great success at Killingworth last season so it’s a great appointment. Andy comes to the Club with a great knowledge of the local leagues and has an appetite for success.”

A statement from the Committee read: “We are delighted to welcome both Nathan and Andrew to the Club and are happy to have kept Joe.

“We are looking forward to working closely with the new management team to help them realise the ambitions that they and the Club share.

“We wish them all the very best as they take up their new roles.”

Albion are due to face Chester-le-Street Town in their next Ebac Northern League Division 2 fixture on January 7 before hosting Washington a week later.