ANDY Preece has shaken hands on a deal to become Northwich Victoria’s next manager.

The former Bury boss agreed a one-year contract with club owner Jim Rushe last night, Thursday, tasked with the job of building a promotion-winning team next term.

Andy Morrison will stay at the Marston’s Arena as his assistant.

“It’s third time lucky for me,” Rushe told fans at a supporters club meeting, referring to the acrimonious departures of Dino Maamria and Steve King last season.

“We’re very fortunate to have a manager of Andy’s calibre here to move the club forward – he’s a Football League boss, but he loves working here and wants to be successful with Northwich.

“That’s fine by me.”

Preece, picked as the Blue Square Premier’s Manager of the Month for April after guiding Vics to six successive victories, amassed 24 points in his 15 games in charge after replacing King in February.

It was not enough to save Vics from relegation, but that tally was more than his three predecessors combined could muster.

More to follow.