Tommy Cassidy (1950-2024)
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Tommy Cassidy who died on Thursday at the age of 73.
He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for the past six years.
The Northern Ireland international became Workington boss in October, 2001 and would serve the club for nearly six years, becoming the longest serving manager in the club’s history at that point.
Tommy’s distinguished playing career had started in his home city of Belfast when he was introduced to senior football with Glentoran. It was from there that Newcastle United signed him – ironically by Joe Harvey, Workington’s previous longest serving manager.
He played nearly 200 games for the Black & Whites including the 1974 FA Cup at Wembley when two ex. Reds’ managers, Joe Harvey and Bill Shankly, opposed each other.
He was capped 24 times by Northern Ireland with his final appearance at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
After a decade at St. James’ Park, Tommy was transferred to Burnley and helped them to the Third Division title during his time at Turf Moor. He then moved to Cypriot club, Apoel, where his playing days ended and his managerial career began.
A return to the UK saw him manage Gateshead with stints at Glentoran, Ards and Sligo later added to his CV.
Then, three months into the 2001-02 campaign, Tommy took over the Borough Park hot seat, succeeding Peter Hampton.
It was a tough start but he finally obtained his first win as manager at Eastwood Town with Graham Goulding scoring twice in a 2-0 success. Reds finished 16th that season.
The improvement continued the following season with Reds moving up a few places to 10th.
He guided the team to an opening day 7-0 victory over Ossett Town at the start of the 2003-04 campaign and a 7th place finish was enough to get Workington back into the Premier Division after a structural re-organisation.
Tommy grabbed the promotion he deserved in 2005 when Workington went-up to the Conference, via the play-offs, after that never to be forgotten penalty shoot-out triumph over Farsley Celtic.
Consolidation in Conference North (13th) was followed by a play-off berth (3rd) in 2007, plus Cumberland Cup Final success following a 2-1 victory over Carlisle United at Brunton Park.
After a win at Hucknall Town (Reds’ fourth league win in a row) on 1st September, 2007, Tommy made the shock decision to leave having been offered a similar position at Newcastle Blue Star.
After six relatively successful years at Borough Park, Tommy’s last two managerial appointments, Blue Star and Whitby Town, petered out disappointingly.
He was revered at Workington and proved to be one of the most popular managers during the non-league era.
It is only a few months since Tommy’s wife, Rosemary, passed away so a particularly sad time for their respective families and friends.
We send our condolences to all.
