NORTHWICH Victoria have begun a search for a new manager following Jim Gannon’s departure on Monday.

He has accepted an offer from former club Stockport County to return for a third spell in the dugout at Edgeley Park, signing an 18-month contract.

The appointment was announced at the same time Vics’ title rivals, Warrington Town, were on their way to a 2-0 win away to Brighouse.

It leaves them nine points adrift of first place in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s Division One North, but with five games in hand.

Yellows had run out 4-2 victors when the teams met at Cantilever Park on Saturday afternoon, which turned out to be Gannon’s final game in charge.

“Stockport are a club close to Jim’s heart, having had an illustrious playing and managerial career there,” said Vics in a statement.

“We would like to wish him well in his new role, and thank him for his hard work.”

Later the same evening, a tweet from the club’s official account confirmed they expect to unveil the 47-year-old’s successor shortly.

Meanwhile the team are due to play Runcorn Linnets in a rearranged Cheshire FA Senior Cup tie on Tuesday night.

“The decision to appoint Jim was taken unanimously by the board following the resignation of Neil Young last week,” said County, eighth in Vanarama National League North following a 1-1 draw with Nuneaton at the weekend.

Gannon is remembered fondly by Stockport supporters after leading the Hatters to promotion in 2008 after winning the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

He has been at the Northwich helm for the past two years, most notably guiding the club to the FA Cup second round last month.

They reached the play-offs last season, losing a play-off semi final against Bamber Bridge in extra time.

He also helped Vics to wins in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup and Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup finals during his tenure.