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Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
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Penrith boss Jim Nichols: Why I'm back for a second spell in charge
Jim Nichols says he believes positive times are ahead for Penrith AFC as he settles back into the manager's job for the second time. The Northern League Division One club have appointed Nichols as Darren Edmondson's successor some eight years after his previous spell. Nichols returns to Frenchfield Park after a year away from the dugout following his most recent and successful stint with Carlisle City. He said he was not angling for a return but could not say no after a positive meeting with Penrith chairman Brian 'Billy' Williams. 'It came about quite quickly,' Nichols tells the News & Star. 'I wasn't really looking to get back into football. To anyone who's asked, I've never said I wouldn't, but it would have to be the right opportunity at the right time - and this feels right. 'When Billy rang, and asked to have a discussion, I liked what he said. The direction of the club seems to be very positive. It seemed a no-brainer after speaking to the chairman.' Nichols was previously manager at Penrith from 2015 to 2017 (Image: Louise Porter) It has been a summer of comebacks in Cumbrian non-league football, with Edmondson returning to Workington Reds for a second spell following three years at Penrith – and now Nichols heading back to the club he previously led from 2015 to 2017. He does so with optimism that Penrith can move forward. 'As a club they want to progress,' Nichols says. 'I don't think they're going to spend loads of money and try to go up, but they want to move the club forward generally. 'Since the last time I was there, they've had the artificial pitch put in, and it's an unbelievable set-up at the moment. And that's a big attraction. 'There are some really good people there who really want Penrith Football Club to do well, because it's their club. And that sort of rang true with what I am as a person. 'They want to move things forward, but they want to do it the right way, and it just seemed the right fit for both of us.' Nichols brings a host of experience back to the job, having been a major figure in Carlisle City's recent rise. He led them to the Northern League Division Two title, a Fred Conway Cumberland Cup triumph and their furthest run in the FA Vase over a five-and-a-half year spell. He stepped away at the end of last season and has been reflecting on that, and taking stock, before considering what his next move might be. 'Sometimes the break's what you need,' he says. 'It's intense, and I think unless you've actually sat in the shoes of a non-league football manager, where you work all day and then your phone literally rings until you go to bed every night and every weekend, you don't realise how much it takes out of you. 'I'd done nearly six years at City, I'd had six very successful years, and it just felt at the time it was right for me to move on from there. Nichols, second right, had a successful spell with Carlisle City including a league and cup double in 2022 (Image: Ben Holmes) 'I've watched a lot of football over the last year in this league and other leagues, and sometimes it's quite nice to go to games without really caring what's happening, and just go and watch a game of football. 'But if you've been involved in football for the time that I have, you still miss those feelings on a Saturday – you miss going away on the bus, winning away from home and so on. When you've been in that competitive environment, it's hard to step fully back from it.' Nichols is, he says, ready for the all-consuming nature of Northern League management again. He is also, he believes, a more rounded operator for his years of experience. 'I think I'm a far better manager than when I was first manager at Penrith,' he says. 'Back then, I didn't really want to be a manager. The first time it came around, it was more by chance. I stepped in as caretaker, and they appointed someone else who ended up not taking the role, so it sort of fell on me by default. 'I was probably too young then. I probably didn't have enough knowledge of players locally to be able to do that role at that time, and I think I probably took everything a little bit personally in terms of results, decisions, everything else. 'I've done hundreds of games as a manager now, and I've got a far more rounded view of football and life, I think it's fair to say. And I think that makes it a lot easier to cope with the ups and downs. Because for all the ups, there's a million downs.' Penrith's 12th-placed finish under Nichols in 2016/17 remains their highest since 2009, while he guided them to the third round of the FA Vase that season. What is within reach now will depend on the new boss managing the various possibilities and limitations of a club of Penrith's size and position. 'It's a job that I'm really looking forward to, but it's also one I'm fully realistic about,' he says. 'The squad finished 17th last season, so there's obviously some improvement to be done there. The squad itself, and I spoke to most of them this week – they mostly look like they want to stay at Penrith and be part of Penrith Football Club moving forward, which is great. 'And then, it's just trying to add that little bit of extra quality in and around the squad. 'It's a long, hard league, particularly when lads have got jobs, travelling away on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to the other side of the country. It takes a lot out of players, and sometimes you just need that little bit of extra quality and extra bodies around the squad, and that's what we're going to be looking to do in the next couple of weeks.' Penrith have had a new artificial pitch at the Leo Group Stadium since the autumn of 2023 (Image: News & Star) Nichols, who has been joined by assistant Alan Inglis, believes his experience in this respect can help too, as Penrith try to source players to lift them in a challenging market. 'It's just being really clear on what players are available, seeing who's doing well in different leagues,' he says. 'Probably the three of us from Cumbria in that league [Penrith, Carlisle City and Kendal Town] are quite unique, in comparison to the rest of them, who are around Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland areas. 'That's a massive population, but you have a lot of clubs fighting for the same players – whereas we're on the flip side, not many clubs and not as many players. It's about trying to identify people who maybe aren't playing at this level, who can step up and do well. 'I'm fortunate enough to have spent the bulk of the last decade in this league with both Penrith and Carlisle City. I've probably done 5-600 games in that league, and I like to think I know it fairly well, I know what we're coming up against, and hopefully that gives us a little bit of advantage from the off.' Nichols will be on the other side of the rivalry with Carlisle City now. Penrith did the league double over their fellow Cumbrians in 2024/25, but City had the last laugh by defeating Edmondson's Bonny Blues in the Fred Conway Cumberland Cup final under Nichols' successor Dan Kirkup. Next season Nichols will come up against his former club Carlisle City, now managed by one of his earliest signings at the club, Dan Kirkup (Image: Barbara Abbott) 'Dan was my third signing for City, and probably one of the best ones I made,' says Nichols. 'I think from day one, and even probably before I signed him, I knew he was managerial material. 'I've seen him a few times when I've been to watch City this year, and it will be great to come up against him. He's a really decent guy, and one I've got a lot of time for and a lot of respect for.' As well as looking down the pyramid for local talent, having constructive relationships with those higher up the chain, such as Workington and Carlisle United, will always be important for a club like Penrith. 'That's part of being in Cumbrian football, isn't it?' says Nichols. 'There's not a lot of us, and you want to help people out as much as you can, because you know how hard it is. 'I know Darren [Edmondson], and I know Mark Birch and Steven Rudd at Carlisle, which helps. The club's got really good links as well with Carlisle United, with the use of the astroturf from time to time for training. 'I'm sure we'll lean on those links throughout the season. But at the moment, it's my priority to speak to the lads who are currently involved, and try and identify some lads who potentially could come in and strengthen us. 'Right now it's a case of speaking to them, setting out what we want to do and where we see the club going, and making sure they're on board with that. And if they're not, there may be some difficult conversations to have there. 'But that's football, that's life. Hopefully, most people buy into it, and we can have a really successful season.'
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manager returns to Penrith for second spell in charge
Penrith AFC have confirmed the appointment of Jim Nichols as their new manager. He returns to Frenchfield Park for a second spell in charge of the Northern League Division One club. Nichols is the successor to Darren Edmondson after the latter left Penrith to take the helm at Workington Reds. For Nichols it is a return to the dugout a year on from his departure from Carlisle City, where he had a successful reign. He has been joined by assistant Alan Inglis as he takes charge of Penrith ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Nichols was previously Penrith boss from 2015 to 2017. In a statement, the club said: "Penrith Football Club welcome Jim Nichols and Alan Inglis to Frenchfield Park after the departure of Darren Edmondson and Richard Prokas. Nichols has joined the Frenchfield Park club after Darren Edmondson's move to Workington Reds (Image: News & Star) "They both spent five years at Carlisle City achieving promotion and impressive cup runs. "Both Jim and Alan have impressive CVs and we sincerely hope they enjoy being part of our beloved club. "Welcome lads from everyone connected to club, players, coaches, and supporters." They will take charge of a Penrith side that finished 17th in Northern League Division One last season. They also reached the Fred Conway Cumberland Cup final, losing 1-0 to Carlisle City. Edmondson had been in charge at the Leo Group Stadium for three years. At Carlisle City, Nichols had a memorable five-and-a-half seasons with the highlights included promotion and the title in Northern League Division Two in 2021/22, and success in that season's Cumberland Cup. Under Nichols, City also reached the third round of the FA Vase for the first time in their history. After leaving City last summer, Dan Kirkup stepped up as the Carlisle club's new manager. In his first season in charge City finished 18th in the table and won the county senior cup.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Carlisle City boss reacts to Fred Conway Cumberland Cup triumph
Carlisle City boss Dan Kirkup said it was a rewarding feeling to have won the Fred Conway Cumberland Cup. City got the better of Northern League Division One rivals Penrith by winning the final 1-0 at Brunton Park. Jordan Irving's impressive goal secured the 2024/25 trophy for City as Kirkup's first season in charge ended with silverware. The delighted manager told the News & Star: 'I thought it was a really tight game – everything we expected to be fair. 'The two league games have been so tight and we were due a little bit of the rub of the green to go for us. 'I thought we were the better team. We had the better chances. Like I said last time they beat us, karma always comes back to bite you in football and it certainly did here. 'I'm really pleased for the boys. Everyone put a shift in. Fair play to Penrith, they gave as good as they got and matched us all the way. 'I'm really happy. It's what you play for in football, isn't it – end of season cup finals like this? We had our cup final and we've come out on top.' READ MORE: Match report from Carlisle City's county cup final victory against Penrith Penrith had good first half chances before City came on stronger after the break – and man-of-the-match Irving then struck the decisive blow with a superb strike from the left that dipped over opposition keeper Aaran Taylor. 'I said at half time there was going to be one goal in it – it was really nip and tick and I felt it was going to take a mistake or something a little bit special,' added Kirkup. 'We got that special something from Jordan Irving which won us the game. 'I don't think we came under too much pressure in the last ten minutes. I was expecting the kitchen sink to come at us like it did in the home game in the league, but it didn't, really. 'I thought we coped with what got thrown at us pretty well.' City got the better of Penrith to lift the trophy (Image: Barbara Abbott) City grew stronger as the game went on and Kirkup said a change of approach after the break helped his side win the cup for the first time since 2022. 'Callum Birdsall started the game after having not played for four weeks – he wasn't fit, he played on pretty much one leg but I wanted him there, he's our main man and I thought if we had a chance of winning we need him there,' said Kirkup. 'But actually when he went off [early in the second half] I thought we turned into a little bit of a better team because we put a bit more pace up front and I thought we really hurt them with balls in behind, rather than going into Callum which I think they were quite comfortable with. Fred Conway Cumberland Cup final - as it happened! 'They were big lads at the back and I don't think they like [opponents] running in behind. 'Credit to everyone, I'm pleased for everyone at the football club. It's been a tough season, there's no getting away from that in the league. 'We had our cup final and it sort of papers over a creaky season. But if you'd asked me at the start of the season if we could finish where we did [18th] and win a cup I would have snapped your hand off.' On the cup success after his first campaign in charge after succeeding Jim Nichols at the City helm, Kirkup said: 'Some people in management never really win a thing, so to win a major competition like this is really pleasing. 'It's for everyone at the club. There's a lot of unseen work behind the scenes – the players sometimes just have to turn up and play and they don't appreciate what goes into it. 'Nights like that are for the people who run the club and they'll enjoy it.'
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Sport
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Uppies and Downies leads to change of venue for county cup final
Plans to hold this season's Fred Conway Cumberland Cup final at Workington Reds' Borough Park have been shelved - because of Uppies and Downies. The county senior cup showpiece between Penrith and Carlisle City was due to be staged at the Reds' ground later this month. But the Cumberland Football Association are now seeking a new venue for the 2025 final after receiving police advice and conducting a risk assessment. The final was due to be held in Workington on the evening of Tuesday, April 22. That, though, is also the date for the second of the three-game series in the historic Uppies and Downies mass ball game which takes place in the west Cumbrian town every Easter. The Cumberland FA said that, after announcing the scheduled final, they were contacted by Workington Reds, who highlighted the clash with Uppies and Downies. — Cumberland FA ⚽️ (@CumberlandFA) April 3, 2025 The county FA said that, following this, "we conducted a risk assessment in line with our health and safety processes. "We have also liaised with Cumbria Police, who have advised that we will be unable to host the final at Borough Park on the evening of Tuesday, April 22 due to various reasons, as a result of the clash with Uppies and Downies. "Because of this, we are working with both Penrith AFC and Carlisle City to find an alternative solution, with a further update to be issued in due course." Workington Reds hosted last year's final though the majority of finals in recent times have been staged at Carlisle United's Brunton Park.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Sport
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Date and venue confirmed for Fred Conway Cumberland Cup final
Details have been confirmed for this season's Fred Conway Cumberland Cup final. Carlisle City will face Penrith at Workington Reds' Borough Park on Tuesday, April 22. The Northern League Division One rivals will go head to head in the county senior cup showpiece in west Cumbria, with the match to kick-off at 7.30pm. It will be one of the last games at Borough Park before a summer of demolition work at the ground, before the building of a new community stadium. Cumberland Football Association bosses have also described the occasion as "bittersweet" as it will be the last season that the cup is named after their late former chairman Fred Conway. We're pleased to confirm details for this year's Fred Conway Cumberland Cup Final! 🏆 ⚽ @penrith_afc 🆚 @CarlisleCityFC 📆 Tuesday 22 April ⏰ 7:30pm 📍 Borough Park, @WorkingtonAFC #FredConwayCumberlandCup — Cumberland FA ⚽️ (@CumberlandFA) April 1, 2025 Confirming the final's date and venue, Cumberland FA chief executive Ben Snowdon said: "Whilst we appreciate that we rarely please everyone when it comes to the location of our finals, this decision is filled with bittersweet sentiment. "This will be the last season that the competition is named after our late chair Fred, as we always said we would revert to the Cumberland Cup after three finals, as we believe this is what he would have insisted upon, and we therefore plan to honour his legacy through different means. "It therefore feels fitting that the last Fred Conway Cumberland Cup final will be held at Borough Park, a stadium and a place which he loved, ahead of its major redevelopment in the coming years." It will be the second successive year that Workington's ground has hosted the final, Reds themselves winning the cup last season by defeating Carlisle United. The majority of finals in previous recent years were at United's Brunton Park ground, which hosted every other final since 2007, except 2022's final, which was at Penrith's Frenchfield Park. Carlisle City, who defeated Cleator Moor Celtic in their semi-final, will be out to regain the cup they last won in 2022. Penrith, who got past Aspatria in the last four, are looking to become county senior cup winners for the first time since 2010.
