Ashcroft takes Vics job after Kendal exit

Northwich Victoria have confirmed the appointment of Lee Ashcroft as their new manager following his exit from Kendal Town on Tuesday morning.

Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Kendal gave Ashcroft, pictured, permission to speak to the Vics on Monday night during negotiations between the two clubs for the 40-year-old former Wigan, West Brom and Preston North End striker's services.

Kendal immediately installed reserve team boss David Foster as caretaker manager ahead of Saturday's league clash at home to Witton Albion.

Ashcroft takes charge from caretaker manager Alan Wright who replaced the departed Andy Mutch at the start of November. His first game in charge sees the Vics take on Kidsgrove Athletic in the Doodson Sport Cup's First Round at Marston Road on Wednesday night.

A Northwich Vics spokesman said: "Lee will take charge of the team with immediate effect. Talks have taken place over the last few days with Lee and his present club and were finally concluded on Monday evening. We would like to put on record our sincere thanks to Kendal Town FC for allowing us to speak to Lee and finally agreeing to him leaving his post to take up his role with The Vics.

"We believe that in Lee Ashcroft we have secured the services of a manager with not only a proven track record at this level but with the ambition and desire to take a team to the top of Non-League football and beyond. Lee has served his former club well over several years and produced a significant number of young players who have gone on to ply their trade higher up football's Pyramid.

He added: "We look forward to a long working relationship with Lee to assist him in rebuilding a team, the club and its supporters, can be proud of for many years to come."

Ashcroft – who had been at Parkside Road since 2004 and as a player and manager since 2006 – leaves with the club just a point above the Evo-Stik NPL top flight's relegation zone.

Kendal say the club's management committee reluctantly accepted Ashcroft's resignation and agreed to terminate his contract following discussions over the playing budget and reducing income.

Kendal Chairman Haydon Munslow wished his former manager well as the hunt began to find his replacement.

He said: "During the last two and a half seasons it has been a pleasure to work with Lee who has provided loyal and dedicated service. We’ve faced some considerable challenges together, but we do not now have sufficient funds to continue on the current basis. We all wish Lee the very best for the future and thank him wholeheartedly for everything he has done for Kendal Town."