FORMER Rudheath Social boss Steve Lloyd has accepted an offer to fill the managerial vacancy at Barnton.

He replaces Danny Meadowcroft, who left last week after guiding the Villagers to the North West Counties League’s top flight for the first time in the club’s history.

“Barnton are a club steeped in history, and their recent progression has been nothing short of phenomenal,” said Lloyd.

“I can only applaud their achievements under the stewardship of Ian Ross.

“Both him and Danny have laid a great platform for us to build on.”

Lloyd will be assisted by Mike Alcock, who was his right-hand man at Griffiths Park.

They arrive at the end of one of the Northwich outfit’s most successful seasons.

A 2-0 victory against Bacup Borough in the play-offs final secured promotion to the league’s Premier Division only a month after they had lifted the Reusch First Division Cup at Congleton.

Meadowcroft had taken charge in February following the unexpected exit of Leon Knight, with Barnton top of the table.

Together with assistant Andy Burgess and advisor Brian Pritchard, they steered the side to third place.

Lloyd added: “I’d like to congratulate Danny for the way he managed the team to a successful finish.

“His role was only temporary, but he deserves credit for the way in which he handled it.”

Lloyd steered Rudheath to their highest finish, fourth, in the Cheshire League’s Premier Division in 2014.

He had switched to Social the previous summer following a spell in charge at Tarporley Victoria, who he had taken to the league’s highest level four years earlier.

A former manager, again with Alcock, of the Cheshire League’s representative side, he moved to Eccleshall 18 months ago.

They finished 15th in North West Counties League Division One last term.

Lloyd then announced in March he planned to stand down.

Meanwhile Meadowcroft and Pritchard were confirmed as joint managers at Widnes on Friday.

They join ex-Barnton chairman Ian Ross, who was appointed to the same role at the club earlier in the week.

“I owe a lot to Ian for giving me a chance last season, but hopefully I’ve repaid that faith and will continue to do so,” said Meadowcroft.

“We’re hoping to build a winning team that will encourage football fans in the town to come and support us.”