Gannon steps in to steer Vics

Stockport County legend Jim Gannon has taken temporary control of Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Northwich Victoria.

The First Division North’s Vics announced on Monday that the 45-year-old, pictured, had taken over with ‘immediate effect’ until manager Lee Ashcroft completes his ten match stadium ban.

Ashcroft has been appointed Director of Football and the Vics say they are looking forward to seeing the pair working together, with Ashcroft now taking responsibility for the club’s player development and identifying young talent for their future.

Northwich Victoria took action to steady the ship after the former Kendal Town manager’s recent appeal against a charge that he abused a female match official in January on the grounds of her gender, a charges he denied, was dismissed by the Football Association.

With a relatively young squad and a slump in form since he began his ban, Ashcroft’s continuing absence had left the club in a 'very difficult position. They say Gannon, who was elected into the Hatters' Hall of Fame by fans after making 383 league appearances for then Football League club between 1990 and 2000, was appointed after ‘much soul searching’ by directors and Chairman Jim Rushe as they considered the club’s best options.

Former Dundalk, Motherwell, Peterborough United and Port Vale managed the Conference North's Hatters in two spells, first from 2005 to 2009 and left Edgeley Park for a second time in January after 14 months at the helm. He takes charge for the first time on Tuesday when Northwich host Radcliffe Borough in First Division North at Valley Road.

In a statement explaining the move to supporters, Vics said: "The club have been placed in a very difficult position in terms of match day leadership for the relatively young squad. A after much soul searching and several meetings, the decision has been taken to bring in a new first team manager and change Lee's role to one of football director until such time as his stadium match day ban is complete.

"Lee will be responsible to the board for the future development of the football club and identifying young players to develop for the club's future. The Directors have spoken with a number of suitable candidates and we are very happy to announce that Jim Gannon will take the role of first team manager with immediate effect.

"We were very pleased to get Jim on board he has vast experience and holds a UEFA Pro Licence. We are confident the squad will benefit from having a manager of Jim's calibre and we wish Lee, Jim and the lads well for the season ahead."