The Leon Carling era came to an end at Bishop Auckland FC on 11 October with the manager and his assistant Dave Onions resigning following a 2-0 defeat at Heaton Stannington that left Bishops at the foot of the Northern Premier League East table, reports Gavin Hadden.
The goals that sealed the win, and the management team’s fate, came three minutes apart, just after the half hour mark, both scored by Dale Pearson.
The club quickly moved to appoint Bishop Auckland College’s Director of Sport, Andy Dixon as interim manager ahead of the side’s midweek league fixture at Pontefract Collieries and the new gaffer got off to a flying start, recording a 1-3 away win an immediately lift the Two Blues up the table.
Tuesday’s away win was followed last weekend by a comprehensive 5-0 thrashing of fellow strugglers, Lincoln United, and a thrilling 3-3 draw with Dunston UTS this midweek, leading the the permanent appointment of Dixon and his assistant, Iain Leckie.
“Andy’s stint as Interim Manager has been a successful one,” said a statement from the board. “His knowledge and experience have given the squad a renewed sense of purpose. We are delighted with the appointment and look forward to seeing him continue the good work.”
Dixon added: “I’m delighted to accept the role of permanent manager of Bishop Auckland Football Club.
“The club has had deep links with my family for many years, and I know the huge part it plays in the local community.
“I’d like to thank the players for their response so far to Iain and me, and we look forward to building on the success we’ve had over the first few games.
“We’re looking forward to working with this group of players on the training pitch and hope we can be very successful together.”
The seven points from their last three games has doubled the side’s tally for the season and sees them shoot up to 15th place int he table, albeit still with significant work to do to escape the battle at the bottom.
Next up this weekend is a trip to fifth place Emley, followed by two more home games, welcoming Silsden, who currently share the same number of points as Bishops, in midweek, before the visit of Grimbsy Borough on Saturday 1 November.
