Former Workington Reds star Brian Dawson is poised to take over as manager of Cleator Moor Celtic.

It has been confirmed that Dawson, who runs Reds' community programme and is also in charge of their development team, will join the North West Counties League club in the summer.

The move follows Cleator Moor boss Martin Mahone's decision to stand down at the end of the current campaign.

Dawson has previously been in charge of Millom and Holker Old Boys and coached in Carlisle United's academy, while his playing days included spells with Workington and Barrow.

Cleator Moor chairman Graeme Close used a statement to pay tribute to long-serving Mahone.

"He has devoted the best part of his life to the club," he said.

"He has been a major part in youth development, progressing the club to step 6 and first-team coach during different spells, with great success along the way."

Close also thanked Dene White for his work alongside Mahone as assistant for the last three seasons.

He said Dawson "ticked all the boxes" as new manager and that he "shares the same values, ideas and passion".

Dawson, speaking on Reds' website, said that, while he has enjoyed working with Reds' development side in recent years alongside Craig Routledge, the Cleator Moor opportunity was too good to turn down.

"We both have aspirations of being successful in our respective coaching careers, and this is a good platform for us to test ourselves at a decnt level of football," he added.

He will continue his job overseeing the Reds in the Community department and coaching with the academy during the week.

Cleator Moor Celtic currently sit 15th in North West Counties First Division North, and are also in the quarte-finals of the Cumberland Cup with a home tie against Carlisle United on February 9.