Returning heroes on promotion hunt

Jimmy Albans and Wayne Hallcro have made a sensational New Year’s Eve return to Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Grantham Town.

The pair, pictured, left the Premier Division's South Kesteven Sports Stadium just over a year ago, resigning at the start of December after a run of straight five defeats to end a three year tenure that saw them win promotion to the Evo-Stik NPL’s top flight.

They return to take the helm again from their own replacements, Gary Sucharewycz and Ian Robinson, who parted company with the club on Christmas Eve.

In a statement announcing their return on two and half year contracts, Grantham’s officials expressed their delight that the pair were back to complete ‘unfinished business’ after being set a target of achieving Conference North football within three years.

The club said: “Jim and Wayne consider they have unfinished business here. The Board realise that some people may be surprised by this decision given the events of their previous departure a little over a year ago. What must be remembered is the club was in turmoil at that time and with hindsight we all wish things had been handled differently by all concerned.

"The Board want to draw a line under that short but difficult time and instead remember the three great years we had under Jim and Wayne that brought us a play-off final and then the League Championship.”

Both Sucharewycz and Robinson were fans favourites during their playing days with Grantham, the latter making 85 appearances and scoring seven times while Sucharewycz turned out 61 times and scored five goals. They were appointed last season after leaving Hucknall Town where they’d first teamed up in management.