Skelton returns to Workington as manager

Negotiations with Carlisle United have been ongoing over the festive period and reached a satisfactory conclusion on New Year’s Eve when a compensation package was agreed between the clubs.

A successful player/manager in his previous spell culminated in Reds’ finishing as runners-up in Evo-Stik Premier at the end of the 2014-15 campaign and the former Carlisle United, Workington, Gretna, Kilmarnock, Hamilton Academical, Barrow and Annan Athletic player became the club’s number one target following David Hewson’s resignation two weeks ago.

He said: “I’m excited by the challenge and look forward to returning to a club where I feel I have strong ties. Everything has happened so quickly and I cannot wait to get started.

"I am delighted that Lee Andrews has decided to remain with the club and become my assistant and I look forward to meeting the players prior to the important home game against Stalybridge Celtic."

After leaving Borough Park in June, 2015, Skelton was appointed assistant manager at Queen of the South and during his time at Palmerston he took on the job in a caretaker capacity before accepting the role on a permanent basis. He left the Dumfries club in November, 2016.

He resumed his playing career with Annan Athletic before joining Carlisle United as their Professional Development Phase coach, a post he has held for the past eighteen months.
Skelton began his career with Carlisle United making his Football League debut for the Blues during the 1999-2000 campaign.

His first spell at Workington followed when he signed for Peter Hampton prior to the ’00-01 season. He switched to Gretna fifteen months later and enjoyed an illustrious playing career with the Black & Whites, first in the Northern Premier League and then throughout their meteoric rise through the Scottish leagues.

Promotions and titles, playing in the Scottish Cup Final and a taste of UEFA Cup football were some of the many highlights during his time at Raydale Park. After Gretna’s demise he remained in full time football firstly with Kilmarnock and Hamilton Academical before returning to Cumbria and a two season stay at Barrow.

A second spell at Workington began in 2013 and he was in charge of team affairs on a temporary basis between Darren Edmondson’s departure and Ian McDonald’s arrival. He was appointed player/manager in 2014 and guided Reds to one of their best ever seasons whilst playing in all but four of fifty six games in charge.