CARL Macauley has demonstrated his commitment to finishing a job he has started at Witton Albion by agreeing to sign a contract.

His assistant, Gary Martindale, will do the same.

The club has told the Guardian that the duo have accepted terms on a deal that will run until the end of the 2018-2019 season.

“They’re a good fit for us – it’s that simple,” said chairman Mark Harris.

“And we want to get that message out; whatever happens this season, it’s important we have one eye on the future.

“It’s a signal to players, both the ones here already and those that we try to sign, that we have a commitment to our management team and they feel the same way about us.”

Macauley was appointed in October 2015 after the departure of Scott Dundas.

He had to rebuild a squad decimated by players following his predecessor through the exit at Wincham Park, and guided Witton to a 11th place in the Northern Premier League’s Division One North.

And the former Marine boss was forced to do similar in the summer following the club’s switch to the competition’s southern section.

He appears to have assembled an even stronger team, with Albion considered to be a contender to be promoted to the Premier Division this season.

A run to the FA Trophy first round, as well as victories in the FA Cup against Atherton Colieries and Buxton, have secured a five-figure sum in prize money too.

Harris said: “Carl took over in difficult circumstances after we’d failed to enjoy success with three previous managers.

“What he did immediately was restore self-respect and discipline, and put in place a structure for everything that has followed.

“This deal is in recognition of that, and it’s not intended to be disrespectful to anybody that has gone before.

“The thing that has impressed me most, and I think our supporters feel the same, is the calmness with which he goes about his business.

“He’s extremely laid back, and that makes him easy to work with [as a chairman].

“The timing of having a guy like that is what we needed – it was crucial to find stability after a turbulent spell.

“It’s not only our view that matters though; you want to employ people who have a desire to be here and to do well.

“Carl and Gary are showing loyalty to Witton too.”

Northwich Guardian:

Gary Martindale and Carl Macauley have turned Witton Albion into contenders for promotion to the Northern Premier League's top-flight

That is a source of relief for Harris, who told the Guardian that Witton’s impressive start to the campaign had attracted the attention of at least one higher-ranked club.

In his view, Albion are also protecting their best assets.

He added: “It’s been telling in negotiations with players just how many of them have asked about the manager’s position.

“That is proof of what people outside of the club think of him, and the reputation he’s developed.”