Skem confirm end of Lawson era

An open secret on social media since late on Thursday night when rumours of his sacking after a decade at the helm began circulating, Lawson's departure was finally confirmed in a post on the EVO-STIK NPL club's official Twitter account soon after 4pm on Friday.

Club officials are also expected to make a statement on the club's website within hours ahead of the club's home game with third-placed Spennymoor Town at Stormy Corner on Saturday. The statement won't be issued by long-serving press officer Neil Leatherbarrow who resigned at lunchtime over the decision to part company with Lawson.

Lawson left the West Lancashire College Stadium with his side bottom of the table with just 16 points having won just three games all season. Appointed as the successor to Paul Gallagher for the 2006-07 season, he led the club to promotion to the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight after five consecutive play-off finishes in his first five seasons.

Along the way, Lawson developed a long line of Non-League graduates for the pro game including the likes of Craig Noone, Ben Tolitt and Sean McConville.

Reserve manager Dom Finnigan and assistant manager Tony Sullivan have also confirmed they have left the club in the wake of Lawson's dismissal.

Finnigan said on Twitter: "Would like to thank every one at Skelmersdale United for the years I've had there, loved every minute, unfortunately after Tommy being sacked tonight myself and @TonySul have also decided to leave the club, Tommy brought us in and we will leave with him."

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