Ryton & Crawcrook Albion are delighted to announce the appointment of Joe Kendrick as the club’s new First Team Manager.

A former professional footballer and Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, Kendrick succeeds Daniel Iredale who departed the club earlier this week.

The 39-year-old takes up the RACA post after a hugely successful 2-year stint as head coach of local rivals Prudhoe Youth Club Seniors.

He led them to back-to-back promotions from the second tier of the Alliance to the Northern League this year before stepping down in the summer.

As a player, Kendrick played for Newcastle United at youth and reserve level, 1860 Munich, in Germany, experienced Champions League football with Irish champions Drogheda United, while also turning out for North-East clubs Blyth Spartans and Darlington.

“I am incredibly excited to be at Ryton & Crawcrook Albion and I can’t wait to get started,” Kendrick said. “I look forward to meeting and working with the squad and to develop a team that the RACA supporters can be proud of.”

The new manager watched Albion’s 2-0 win over Sunderland West End at Kingsley Park on Wednesday night.

He will take charge of the team for the first time on Tuesday at Billingham Town before his first home fixture against Boro Rangers, scheduled for next Friday, 16 September.

“We are thrilled to have secured the services of Joe Kendrick,” read a statement from the committee. “Joe had been on the clubs radar both during and after his successful stint at Prudhoe.

“His professional playing career along with his recent managerial success was behind the clubs decision to appoint him.

“We are looking forward to working closely with him to help him realise the ambitions that he and the club share.

“We wish Joe all the very best as he takes up his new post.”

Kendrick’s coaching staff will be finalised and announced in due course.