WITTON Albion have announced the appointment of Anthony Sheehan as their new manager, replacing Brian Pritchard who left last month.

The 32-year-old, a player at Wincham Park the past three seasons, has guided the team to third place in the table during a run of three league matches in temporary charge.

Coaches Nigel Deeley and Dave Andrew stay on as part of the management team.

“We’re delighted to be given the opportunity to manage such a great club,” said Sheehan in a statement.

“This is the next step for me personally, and a chance to move the team forward.

“I’d like to thank the fans for their support and ask them to keep cheering us on as it makes a difference.”

Sheehan, a midfielder, joined from Colwyn Bay in 2011.

He became a regular starter, helping Witton to promotion via the play-offs to the Northern Premier League’s top flight at the end of his first season.

He went on to make more than 130 appearances before agreeing to join Pritchard’s backroom staff following Mike Moseley’s resignation as assistant manager in the summer.

His first task is to trim a weekly wage bill that chairman Mark Harris says is too high.

Sheehan said: “It’s no secret there is going to be some tough decisions to make with regards to an overspend on the budget, but I’m sure the fans will back the team no matter what happens.

“These lads are not only good players – they’re also good people with a real hunger and desire to succeed.”

Harris said his choice of Sheehan as a successor to Pritchard represents a preference for continuity.

He added: “Anthony Sheehan has made the decision a lot easier because of the results the team has achieved during the interim period since Brian Pritchard’s departure.

“He’s proved that he can make changes when needed, and is the man to take us forward.

“I’m happy to be able to again appoint from within, though the exceptional quality of applicants for the position is testament to Pritch and the squad of players he’s assembled.”

Sheehan picks the team for his first official game in charge tomorrow, Tuesday, when newly-promoted Curzon Ashton visit Wincham Park.