Workington Reds Appoint Carl Short As Head Of Youth Development

Workington Reds have appointed experienced coach Carl Short as head of youth development, placing him in charge of the club’s youth development programme.

Short brings experience from professional football academies, having spent five years at Luton Town working across different age groups, from the youngest players through to scholars approaching the first team. He later worked with Carlisle United, leading the Under-15s and Under-16s and helping prepare young players for the transition into senior football.

The UEFA A Licence holder has been part of Workington’s coaching staff since August 2025. His appointment gives him overall responsibility for the club’s youth development pathway, building on the foundations established by his predecessor, Brian Dawson, who recently stepped down as head of academy. Dawson will continue working with the club’s Reds in the Community and Reds in Schools programmes.

Club director Richard Lewthwaite welcomed the appointment, saying the club wanted to provide young footballers across West Cumbria with strong opportunities and a clear pathway for development. He also highlighted the contribution of the youth system to producing players capable of progressing into the first team, adding that the club wanted to build on the existing foundations.

Short said he was delighted to take on the role and thanked Dawson for the work he had done in developing the academy. He said plans were already underway to strengthen relationships with local academies and improve the games programme for both boys and girls. He will work closely with the club’s board and coaching staff to develop opportunities for young players across the region.

In the new structure, Short will work alongside Craig Johnston, who leads the boys’ programme, and James Telford, who oversees the girls’ pathway. The club said he would begin his responsibilities immediately, with the focus on developing talent and creating more opportunities for young players to represent Workington Reds.

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