Departing legend earns boardroom berth

Witton Albion legend Mike Moseley is set to become a Vice-President of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club after stepping down as assistant manager.

In a statement announcing his departure on Friday, officials at the Premier Division club said the 35-year-old, pictured, would be honoured for his long service and loyalty after making more than 300 starts in nearly 400 appearances since first arriving at Wincham Park back in 2001.

The striker netted 162 times in two spells and was just 16 goals short of matching the club’s all-time scoring record. He was manager Brian Pritchard’s number two for the last three years and will be replaced by Anthony Sheehan.

Moseley told the club’s website: "I am stepping down for personal reasons, namely family and work commitments. It has been a really successful three years and I have enjoyed every minute.

"I would like to thank Pritch and the Chairman [Mark Harris] for giving me the opportunity to be part of the management team, and I would also like to thank my family for their support over the last 17 years in Non-League football. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like I’ll ever get that Witton goal scoring record but the promotion back to the Premier League was probably my best time at the club."

He added: "I would like to wish Pritch and the Albion supporters all the success going forward. It’s a special club with special people and I am proud to have played my part."

Pritchard led the tributes on behalf of the club. "Mike Moseley is a Witton legend and I am personally gutted that he has decided to leave us but fully understand and support his reasons for doing so," said the manager. "He has been a vital part of the management team over the past three years along with Nige and Dave and he will be sorely missed.

"Knowing Mike though, I am certain we will see him at the ground before too long and he will be in the dressing room with the lads. I would like to place on record my personal thanks to him for his support during our playing days and management days."

He added: "Mike’s departure however has given us the opportunity to bring in Anthony Sheehan to the management team. Sheeny has similar qualities to Mike and will be a real asset to the team."