Les O’Neill (1943 – 2025)

It is with sadness that we report the passing of former Workington manager, Les O’Neill. He died earlier this week at the age of 81.

After a distinguished playing career in the Football League serving Newcastle United, Darlington, Bradford City and Carlisle United, Les ended his playing days over the border with Queen of the South.

He was appointed Reds’ manager in October 1989 and remained in the Borough Park hot seat for the remainder of the 1989-90 campaign and then the 1990-91 season, before stepping down on the eve of the 91-92 term.

Les briefly managed Penrith and then worked for several clubs in a scouting capacity including Wycombe Wanderers, Swindon Town, Blackpool and MK Dons.

As a tough midfielder, he played against Workington on several occasions and scored against us for Darlington when we crashed 6-2 at Feethams back in 1969.

He also netted a goal at Borough Park during his days as a Carlisle United player. That was in a League Cup replay in September 1973, following a 2-2 draw at Brunton Park, when Les scored the only goal of the game.

We send our condolences to Ian and Lisa, his grandchildren and the wider family.

RIP