Elliott steps down for Pilgrims post

Elliott, who guided the Ducks to three promotions from the Northern Counties East League to the EVO-STIK League's top flight in just three and half years years, informed Shaw Lane chairman Craig Wood on Sunday morning of his decision to take the helm at the managerless National League North strugglers.

Former Glasshoughton Welfare and Ossett Town boss Elliott left Ingfield in February 20014 to succeed Simon Houghton at the Barnsley club and also led the Ducks to the first round of the Emirates FA Cup this season. Pictured on the touchline, he will hope to enjoy similar success at the Pilgrims after agreeing to succeed Adam Murray following his exit from York Street at the end of October.

Shaw Lane chairman Wood wished their former manager well and said the EVO-STIK League Premier Division club's officials would not rush into appointing his replacement. Before hosting Stourbridge in the league next Saturday, Doug O'Connor, along with captain Ryan Qualter and senior player Neil Austin, will take charge of the club's Sheffield Senior Cup tie against Handsworth Parramore at Sheerien Park on Monday night.

In a statement paying tribute to Elliott, Wood said: "Craig has this morning announced that he will be leaving the club with immediate effect to join Boston United as their first team manager. Craig spoke to myself this morning to announce his decision. He stated that he had not made the decision lightly but felt that the opportunity to manage such a big club as Boston United does not come round too often. Craig is expected to take his back room staff with him although this has yet to be confirmed.

"Craig was appointed as manager of Shaw Lane AFC by myself in February 2014 and in that time has brought three promotions in four seasons, as well as securing the Sheffield Senior Cup last season and taking the club to the first round proper of the FA cup this season.

"Unfortunately, when a manager is as successful as Craig has been then invariably it will attract attention from other clubs. Although Craig was under contract with Shaw Lane until 2019 an agreement has been reached between both clubs and I would like to thank him for the great work he has done in that time at our football club and I wish him well for the future."

He added: "Shaw Lane will now look to find a replacement for Craig and this process has no time limits as it is imperative that the right person is chosen who will continue to take this club forward. In the meantime, Doug O'Connor, along with captain Ryan Qualter and senior player Neil Austin, will take charge for tomorrow's Sheffield senior cup game against Handsworth Parramore at Sheerien Park."

Image courtesy of @SLAquaFC/Twitter

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