Turton FC have announced the appointment of new management teams for both the first team and reserves, as they prepare for the start of the new 2024/25 season.

After relegation to Division One of the West Lancashire League at the end of last season, the club has appointed Andy Mason as first-team manager.

Mason was a full-time professional at Bolton Wanderers under the management of Bruce Rioch in the mid-1990s, and has extensive experience of managing and scouting young talent across the North West.

He will be assisted by Matt Kirkpatrick and Colin Exley.

“I have a great passion for helping young lads improve and enjoy their football,” said the new boss.

“I know we can bring that to the first team at Turton with an exciting young squad, who can help the club achieve their aim of returning to the Premier Division.”

The reserve team will be led by player/manager Ryan Hulme, assisted by James Buckley and Kerry Mason.

And chairman, Peter Gray, says he is optmistic about the club’s prospects in the coming season.

“I’m excited by the new structure we have put in place,” said Gray.

“We will build the club on a young team who want to progress.

“We are perfectly placed to do that now and I look forward to supporting the management teams in their roles.

“The club would also welcome new players who want to be part of a new phase in the club’s 153-year history.

“Work is also going on off the field, too, with renovations to the pitch and recruitment of new volunteers going forward.

“The best thing about football is the opportunity to get over the last game comes along quickly, and we are very much looking forward to a positive 2024/25 season with pre-season starting in early June.”