Queen of the South: Gavin Skelton signs on as player-assistant

James Fowler and Gavin Skelton played together at Kilmarnock

Gavin Skelton has left his position as manager of Northern Premier League club Workington to become a player-coach at Queen of the South.

The 34-year-old will assist manager James Fowler as the Palmerston side try to gain promotion from the Scottish Championship next season.

Skelton and Fowler were team-mates at Kilmarnock for two years.

Fowler said: "He was a model professional as a player and has an impressive record as a coach."

Skelton joined Workington as a player having begun his career at his home team, Carlisle United.

He played more than 230 games for Gretna from 2002 to 2008 before spells at Kilmarnock, Hamilton Academical and Barrow before returning to Workington as a player-coach in 2013.

Skelton took on the managerial position last year and led Workington to the play-offs last season.

"Having made the step up to manager so quickly during last season, I wanted to take my time choosing an assistant," added Fowler.

"It has to be someone you trust and someone you know that you can rely on.

"Gavin and I were team-mates at Rugby Park and, for me, he fits that criteria.

"He's still young with fresh ideas and I believe he'll prove to be a valuable member of my coaching team."