Radcliffe appoint ex-Ramsbottom, Salford, Chester, Spennymoor managers

Radcliffe appoint ex-Ramsbottom, Salford, Chester, Spennymoor joint managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, to replace Bobby Grant.

Grant left the club on the 29th of April, having finished 7th in the Northern Premier League – Premier Division.

They picked up 66 points from 42 games played and just fell two points sort of the playoffs.

Radcliffe FC can confirm that first team manager Bobby Grant has left the club by mutual consent.

The club would like to place on record our heartfelt gratitude to Bobby for his time with us.

🗞 Read more – https://t.co/QmtYxJQmYU#WeAreRadcliffe #UTB pic.twitter.com/989LqNh0vR

— Radcliffe FC (@radcliffeboro) April 29, 2023

CLUB STATEMENT ON DEPARTURE:

Radcliffe FC can confirm that Bobby Grant has left the Club by mutual consent.

All involved at Radcliffe FC would like to thank Bobby for his considerable contribution to the Club during his time with us which has seen us finish in our highest position in the league and brought our first silverware in 15 years.

Bobby took the reins initially on a temporary basis but quickly showed the attributes needed to move into management full time. After steadying the ship last season the Club looked to push on this season, narrowly missing out on the playoffs on the final day.

Bobby’s character and determination have been evident for all to see, (not to mention his goals!) and there is no doubt he has a bright future in the game and as a Club we are proud to have been part of that journey.

We wish Bobby all the luck in the world for his future endeavours.

The Club will now take some time to review the season before announcing any next steps.

👔 Radcliffe FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley as our new first-team managers.

The local duo join us after a number of previous successes, and we are delighted to have them on board!

🗞 https://t.co/gc7i3Kql5g#WeAreRadcliffe #UTB pic.twitter.com/JuEdDO8n0D

— Radcliffe FC (@radcliffeboro) May 7, 2023

CLUB STATEMENT ON APPOINTMENT:

Radcliffe FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley as our new first-team managers.

The local duo arrive at the Neuven Stadium following the departure of previous manager Bobby Grant, and will take the helm ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

An experienced pair with over 600 managerial games under their belt, Johnson and Morley have blossoming CV’s in the game with a number of successes across various clubs, starting off with Ramsbottom United.

They achieved back-to-back promotions in six years with the Greater Manchester outfit, taking the Rams to their highest ever finishing position before departing for Salford City, where they featured on the Class of ‘92 documentary.

The Ammie’s skyrocketed through the non-league system under their management, earning a trio of promotions in a three-year stint to take them to the National League, as well as an FA Cup run which saw Salford reach the second round in an eye-catching 2015/16 campaign.

Leaving the club with their heads held high in 2018, a move to Chester would follow where they steadied the ship after relegation from the National League under a previous manager, later exiting the club in 2021 before joining Spennymoor Town for a year a month later.

Proven track records of success sees the Bury-born pair arrive at the Neuven Stadium as the perfect candidates to take us forward, looking to excel on last season’s positive campaign.

Both managers were interviewed after being appointed, explaining their excitement and ambitions for what lies ahead.

Anthony Johnson, said: “The improvement of the football club has been unbelievable to see as we’re local lads, so we’ve seen it grow from double figures in attendance to high three figures and touching four at times. Our ambitions match those at the club so we knew it was the right decision to come here, the visions align and we know where we want to get to.

We’re absolutely buzzing to be here, the fans have passion and it’s up to us to make sure they have a team on the pitch that put the shirt on to go out and put 100% in every game and are desperate to win.”

After rekindling with the club that he once called home as a player, Bernard Morley, said: “We’ve looked at Radcliffe and seen a project that we want to be a part of. The timings key for me in particular after a short break away from the game, but i’m ready to go again now and we’re excited to get started.”

An interview with our new managers can be watched in full via our Youtube channel.

Welcome to the Neuven Stadium, Anthony and Bernard!

Twitter users gave their thoughts as Radcliffe appoint the ex-Ramsbottom, Salford, Chester, Spennymoor managers…

@FussballJames: What an appointment – two quality managers and even better blokes. All the best @amjonno @BernMorley84 💙

@the_tinkerman: Good luck lads see you pre season 🙌

@nidger: What an appointment!!! Buzzing for you lads @amjonno @BernMorley84 👏👏👏

@DezyByers33: All the best in your new venture boys…. pre season game v Spenny maybe ?

@Pauline04023347: Great to see you both back in the football madness @amjonno and @BernMorley84! Wishing you the best of luck! 💙

@emmaverde9: Dream Team ⚽️⚽️

@LewisA_97: Quality 😂👏🏻

@oldcatdoots: What a coup this is – top men and will take Radcliffe up 100%

@thelifeofmikey0: Seems like match made in heaven this one! 👍🏻⚽️

@Ryan89mufc: congratulations jonno class 👏🏻👏🏻

@duncanmaxwell20: Nice one , well done lads , great to see you back 👍

@TheTugger18:
Nice one Jonno glad to see you both back.
See you at Guiseley soon 🍺⚽️

@aaxon1: Best of luck Jonno, you deserve it, hope you get chance to follow your plans through uninterrupted this time 👍

@RVICricketStats: Go well lads – great to see you back doing what you do best 🔵