Tony Fawcett steps down as Consett manager

The Steelmen were most recently defeated 2-1 at home to Ossett United, handing their opponents their first league win of the year and in turn keeping Consett winless, with two points in their opening six games.

Across this season and last, Consett have picked up just one win in their last 22 games.

It brings an end to his near-two-year stay as Consett boss, after securing back-to-back mid-table finishes in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

Fawcett said: “I’ve loved my time at Consett and made some good friends at the club, but I think the time is right to step away and give someone else a chance to turn things around.

“I believe in this squad of players, and I think once they get that first win under their belt there’ll be no looking back. But the start we made after working really hard in pre-season hasn’t been good enough.”

Club chairman Frank Bell said: “It’s really important that we all thank him for his hard work, dedication, commitment, passion and desire over the last 22 months.

“Tony is one of the nicest guys you will meet in football, and it really is a shame that things have not worked out for him in the way of results, but football is a results-driven game.

“He has never hidden from the supporters and has often made himself available to discuss things after the match in the bar after he has given his post-match interview, which he has never hidden from either.

“In his last interview, he said ‘it’s not good enough’, and it’s not, and each and every one of us needs to take that on board and step up to get this club back to where we want it to be, which is competing at the top of this league and beyond.

“It will not be easy, and we need each and every person, including our supporters, to be patient and get behind the team as we make the necessary changes."

The club have confirmed that Jason Miller, Gavin Scott and Ben Cole will prepare the team for Saturday's FA Trophy clash with Atherton Collieries.

Photo credit: Consett