ALTHOUGH there are significant backroom changes at Northwich Victoria, the top man is going nowhere.
With the season’s end came news of the departures of assistant manager Jack Turner and fitness coach Kevin Street, while more recently physio Archie Vincent’s exit has been announced.
It means manager Luke Duckworth will have a new backroom team around him for the 2026-27 season, having confirmed a contract extension with the club this week.
Former Winsford United boss Duckworth joined the Trickies from Alsager halfway through the 2024/25 season.
Along with then joint manager Luke Goddard, the squad was rebuilt and the club stabilised before steering them on a journey towards promotion in 2025/26, just falling at the last hurdle when they were beaten by arch-rivals 1874 Northwich in the Midland League Premier Division Play-Off Final at the end of April.
Duckworth, and all concerned with Vics, will undoubtedly feel there is a job to be finished after their near miss.
Vics finished the league campaign in second place, narrowly missing out on top spot and the automatic promotion place to Hanley Town.
Vincent has left the club in order to start a new challenge abroad.
Duckworth said: "Archie has been a big help these last 18 months.
“The players like him and he’s been a big part of everything we’ve done.
“We wish him nothing but the best as he explores his new future abroad."
Meanwhile, a former Vics manager has announced his retirement from football.
Steve Wilkes was in post with the Trickies from September, 2017, to April, 2023.
A high point of his time at the club was leading them to the brink of a Wembley appearance in 2019, only to fall on penalties against Chertsey Town in the semi-finals of the FA Vase.
Wilkes issued a statement on social media, saying: “So, after 29 years in football management, 1,330 matches, and countless hours of recruitment calls, scouting missions and preparation, I’ve decided that now is the right time to step back from the game and announce my retirement.
“Football has given me so much — moments, friendships, challenges and memories that will stay with me for life. Football is, and always will be, in my DNA.
“I would like to thank the six clubs I’ve had the privilege to manage — Darwen, Padiham, Runcorn Linnets, Ashton Athletic, Northwich Victoria, and finally Ramsbottom United — for placing their trust in me to lead their football clubs.
To each and every player I’ve worked with, thank you. The relationship between a player and a manager is a special one, and the dressing room is our place. I hope that over the past 29 years my team talks have helped you develop as players — and maybe made you smile along the way.
“To all the coaches who have put up with me over the years, I simply couldn’t have done this without you.
“However, the time feels right to shift priorities and spend more quality time with my family — especially my grandchildren, Freddie, William and Emmie.
“To the fans of every club I’ve managed — thank you most of all. Your relentless support, home and away, through every high and every difficult moment, has never gone unnoticed. You are what makes a football club special, and I will always be grateful for the backing you’ve given me and every team I’ve led.
“To all the managers out there, I take my hat off to you. The job gets harder every year. I was once told: never get too high after a win and never too low after a defeat. That advice is so true — although much harder to follow after a defeat.”
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