ROBBIE Gainey has moved from Barnsley Town to their landlords Athersley Rec and is hoping to end the Penguins’ run of relegation battles.

Town, who play in the County Senior League Division One, groundshared with NCEL Division One club Rec last season.

Since being relegated from the Premier Division in 2022, Athersley finished bottom but were reprieved from relegation then 18th twice and 19th last season under Rob Landon who has moved to the role of assistant coach.

Gainey said: “Rob couldn’t continue due to family commitments. I spoke to Pete Goodlad the owner to see if I could step up to that level. So far, so good.

“We’ve had some good results in pre-season and brought in some good players. We had a very young squad last season but we’re brought more experience in. We’ve brought in Leon Osborne who played for Bradford City and Nathan Perks who was Rec’s top-scorer in the past.

“We’re hoping for a top half finish and, you never know, if we get a run together, maybe we can push for play-offs. We’re optimistic and so are the fans so hopefully we get good crowds. We have some tough games to start so that might show us where we are.”

Rec are set to visit Selby Town on Saturday then before going to LIV in the League Cup on Wednesday.