Dutch master named as new boss

25 Feb 2018 By David Watters

EVO-STIK League Newcastle Town named Robin Van Der Laan as their new manager on Sunday night after parting company with Bob Askey.

Appointed last year as the successor to Scott Dundas, Askey stood down at by mutual consent after his side lost 1-0 at home to Stamford on Saturday, the defeat leaving the club fifth from bottom in EVO-STIK League South and just four points clear of basement side Sheffield FC.

The former director of football at West Midlands Regional Premier Division outfit Stone Old Alleynians before taking the helm at The M Club Stadium, Askey was thanked for his work in a statement confirming the appointment of former Derby County and Port Vale stalwart Van Der Laan, pictured.

Newcastle Town secretary Ray Tatton said: "Newcastle Town can today announce that we have parted company with first team manager Bob Askey by mutual consent. The club would like to thank Bob for his efforts and professionalism since his appointment.

Departed: Bob Askey

"Director of football, former Derby County and Port Vale stalwart Robin Van Der Laan, will become the first team manager with immediate effect. Further details will follow in due course."

A former senior international coach for Manchester United and the Premier League giant's soccer schools, Van Der Laan, 49, kicked off his playing career in his native Holland before moving to England and making more 300 appearances in midfield in the Football League during a 10 year career that also took in Barnsley and Wolves before injury forced him to retire.

The former Derby County skipper runs his own successful academy in Canada and joined Newcastle Town more than three years ago to work with former manager Ivan Lodge as a first team coach and help guide the next generation of Castle stars after the club became founders members of the Northern Premier League Football Academy in 2014.

Images courtesy of @NewcastleTownFC/Twitter

The Lyme Valley Stadium

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