1874 NORTHWICH co-managers Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison have stepped down from their roles.

The club confirmed this morning that the duo, who have managed just shy of 300 Greens games together since taking joint command in 2017, have departed after “an open and amicable discussion” with the board.

Senior players Matt Woolley and Mark Jones will take charge of the team for Saturday’s home game against Bootle as the search for a new management team begins in earnest.

Bowyer and Goodison leave the club sitting 18th in the Northern Premier League West Division, two points clear of the relegation zone.

NPL football was secured during their tenure as a result of a 2019-20 season which saw them go clear at the top of the North West Counties League Premier Division until the Covid-19 pandemic brought the season to a premature end, with 1874 one of three teams promoted via their playing record.

That was just one of many highlights from the 287 games the duo took charge of since taking over from Ian Street in 2016, a mammoth 69 of which came as part of a 2017-18 campaign that saw them reach the FA Vase semi-finals.

Back-to-back Macron Cup titles followed in 2019 and 2020 as they became the first club to win the trophy in consecutive years following final victories over City of Liverpool and latterly Runcorn Town.

“Loyalty can be in short supply in the football world, but there is no doubting Paul and Wayne’s unswerving dedication and loyalty to 1874 Northwich,” a club statement read.

“They understood and fully immersed themselves into the ethos of our club, which is an important principle for all 1874 members and supporters. 

“For their hard work; for the long hours they gave; for the way in which they put the best interests of 1874 at the heart of everything; for the memorable times; for their guidance and support to the players, the backroom staff and to the Board, they receive our unequivocal, heartfelt and grateful thanks and respect.

“Bow and Goodie will always remain ’74 legends and friends and we know that their time with the club will be looked back on with great fondness and pride.”