NORTHWICH manager Andy Preece has resigned less than 48 hours after his team took another step towards playing at Wembley.

He is expected to take over as director of football at Welsh Premier League outfit Airbus UK tomorrow, Tuesday, following an approach by the Wingmakers last week.

Assistant manager Andy Morrison and first team coach Darren Ryan quit on Monday too.

“I’m disappointed,” said Vics owner Jim Rushe.

“Andy came to see me this afternoon, but it was obvious even than that he’s made up his mind.

“Airbus have offered him a long-term contract to take their club forward and the lure of perhaps taking them into Europe has proved too big a one for him to turn down.

“He believes that is a better stage for him to show what he can do.”

Preece, who helped Northwich through to the last 16 of the FA Trophy following their single-goal success against Staines Town on Saturday, has turned his team into title contenders at the top of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division this term.

They sit second in the standings behind Cheshire neighbours Chester ahead of this weekend’s scheduled trip to Frickley Athletic.

Northwich remain in the running to win the Doodson Sport Cup and the Mid-Cheshire FA Senior Cup too.

Rushe added: “The timing is bad, there’s no doubt about it.

“It wasn’t too long ago that some supporters were calling for Andy’s head, but I stuck by him and this season he’s done a remarkable job.

“He’s ambitious and there was always going to be a day when he left Northwich, but I have to admit I thought he would have wanted to wait for an opportunity at a bigger club.

“Airbus obviously have the financial support – be it from the board or sponsors – that we don’t have. I’m not in a position to offer him a long-term deal.”

Rushe told the Guardian that it was too soon to say who will be on the touchline when Vics play next.

He plans to meet the players tonight, Monday, at the Victoria Stadium.

Meanwhile Airbus UK chief executive Stewart Roberts has confirmed that Preece will meet his new team, currently seventh in the Welsh League’s top tier, tomorrow evening.