1874 NORTHWICH are looking for a new manager for their first season back in the Northern Premier League.
Chris Herbert steered the Greens to Step 4 via a 1-0 Midland League Play-Offs Final victory over Northwich Victoria in April after finishing the campaign in fourth place.
But the 48-year-old will now be coaching against ’74 in NPL West during 2026/27 because he has been appointed as Vauxhall Motors’ new manager.
He has taken first-team coach Mark Reed and goalkeeping coach Mark Corbett with him to join Vauxhall Motors.
Chester-born Herbert, who is also a national academy scout for Nottingham Forest Football Club, had been in charge of the Townfield-based club since they were relegated from the NPL in April 2024.
In both his seasons at the helm he led 1874 to the play-offs final, losing out to Shifnal Town in his first campaign.
An 1874 statement reads: “We would like to sincerely thank Chris for achieving promotion back to Step 4 last season and for his significant efforts at our club.
“An update on the vacant managerial role will follow in due course.”
Herbert, who has previously managed Runcorn Town and Cefn Druids and worked as assistant manager at Chester and Rhyl, replaces Danny Holmes as top dog at Vauxhall Motors.
His appointment was confirmed just a few hours after the announcement of the exit of Holmes, who led the Motormen to a seventh-place finish last term and signed a new deal a few weeks ago.
He stepped down from the role after a review of the club's financial commitments and operating structure, with Herbert set to run things on a reduced budget.
A statement from Vauxhall Motors reads: "Chris’ experience, leadership qualities, and footballing philosophy align strongly with the club’s long-term ambitions.
"The appointment has been completed well in advance of the start of preseason preparations, ensuring stability and continuity across all football operations.
"This timing allows the manager and coaching staff to work closely with the club’s football department on squad planning, recruitment, and preparation for the upcoming campaign.”
The future of Herbert’s assistant manager Steve Burr and coach Lee Jones are currently unclear.
Before the Herbert announcement, 1874 confirmed they were losing the services of two players from their promotion winning squad - Dale Jennings has opted join Prescot Cables, while Liam Fitzpatrick will take up an opportunity elsewhere.
1874 have their first pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 4, away to Colwyn Bay, kick-off 2.30pm.
Their other scheduled friendlies are Barnton away on Saturday, July 18, kick-off 2pm; West Didsbury & Chorlton at home on Tuesday, July 21 at 7.45pm; Stockport Georgians away on Saturday, July 25 at 3pm; Whitchurch Alport away on Tuesday, July 28 at 7.45pm.
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