Schofield departs as Steels clear the decks

Stocksbridge Park Steels are looking for a new manager to lead them into next season’s Evo-Stik Northern Premier League campaign after parting company with Darren Schofield on Friday.

The Steels have set a deadline of next Friday for applications to take the helm at the Look Local Stadium as they prepare to start bouncing back after relegation from the Evo-Stik NPL's top flight.

Schofield, a long-serving player for the Steels, took over as manager in October 2012 and steered them clear of relegation last season. His departure by ‘mutual consent’ was announced six days after the end of the regular season and followed a meeting with Stocksbridge Park Steels Chairman Allen Bethel.

Bethel said: "All at the club new that it was always going to be a very difficult season with a very tight budget and four teams going down, and so it proved to be.

"I want to sincerely thank Darren for his very long service to the club as a player, assistant manager and manager. Darren tried hard to bring success but a decision had to be made for the good of the club."

Applications, including a current CV, should be sent via email to: stocksbridgeps@aol.com by Friday 9 May. Requests for further information should be accompanied by a telephone number.