Ian Irving originally joined the backroom staff in August 2021 before stepping down from his role in November 2022.

The Cramlington-based coach has a wealth of experience and has also enjoyed a successful playing career at clubs such as Ashington, Blyth Spartans, North Shields, and Whitley Bay.

Irving previously worked as Assistant Manager at Blyth Town alongside current Dunston Manager Jon McDonald, where the duo would achieve great success winning the Northern League Division Two. After a break from football, Ian joined Dunston is 2021 after being brought in by former Manager, Chris Swailes.

Following his return to The UTS Stadium, Irving has commented on the news:

"Having previously been involved at the club, I still kept in touch with Jon [McDonald] and he contacted me to ask if I would be interested in coming back. We have a lot of respect for each other and he believes that I can bring the attributes to help the team and the club.

"It's a brilliant club, friendly people, and they are striving to achieve promotion to a higher level. The squad of players is superb and the standards are high. It excites me that I can be a part of that, so it was a no-brainer for me.

"My aim is to support both Jon and Mark with the team and ensure the players are well prepared for each training session and games. The ultimate aim is a collective one, which is to get the club promoted."

Dunston UTS Manager Jon McDonald has also commented on the return of Ian Irving:

"We are pleased to have Ian back at the club. After Andy [Wright] decided to step down from the role, it was important that we got somebody in. 

"Ian knows the vast majority of the players already and he will bring professionalism and good standards to the group."

Welcome back to Dunston, Ian!