Administration too tough for boss

The EVO-STIK NPL First Division South club, who appointed an administrator on December 1 for the third time in little more than a decade, announced the departure of their 32-year-old manager, pictured, on Tuesday afternoon.

Northwich Victoria secretary Dave Thomas told fans they'd "reluctantly" accepted Lakeland's resignation in a brief statement on the club's website thanking him for his efforts. Lakeland's number two Dave Wild has agreed to hold the fort for Saturday's trip to Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Thomas said: "Due to the present constraints on the club, our manager Adam Lakeland finds it impossible to continue in this role and the club has reluctantly accepted his resignation. We wish to thank Adam for all he has done for the club and wish him well for the future."

Appointed in January as the successor to Jim Gannon, former Accrington Stanley player and UEFA A licensed coach Lakeland played a key role in former EVO-STIK NPL club Curzon Ashton winning back-to-back promotions to National League North in 2015.

The EVO-STIK NPL received official confirmation from the Vics that they were heading for administration nearly three weeks ago when owner Martin Rushe agreed to transfer ownership and control to supporters who are currently campaigning to raise funds to keep the club going. Preliminary talks on the sale of the club with interested parties, including the fans, had already taken place before Lakeland's exit.

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