Dave "Dabba" Hewson has today been named as Penrith AFC's new manager.

Former Workington Reds joint boss Hewson, who linked up with the Bonny Blues as first-team coach ahead of this season and had been in caretaker charge for the past four games, has been announced as the successor to Andy Coyles who resigned last month.

Chairman Brian “Billy” Williams said: "We have a tough challenge in front of us to maintain our First Division status in the Northern League.

"It was important to make the appointment as soon as possible, so they [the new management team] could get on with that task."

Hewson's first game as the Bonny Blues' permanent boss will be tomorrow's crucial Northern League game at Whitley Bay, who are only one place ahead of 17th-placed Penrith in the league table.

Williams added: "They are all important games. But when you are playing teams in a similar position to yourselves, they become even more crucial."

During his spell in temporary charge, Hewson oversaw Penrith's 3-2 home loss to Shildon, a 3-0 success over Ashington, last Saturday's 1-1 draw against Seaham Red Star, as well as their Cumberland Cup 2-0 win over Gosforth.

Hewson's backroom staff is to be announced in due course.