Stevens departs after play-off blow

Stevens, pictured, left the Meres after three and a half years at the helm following the Lincolnshire club's 2-0 defeat at Ashton United in the Northern Premier League's Premier Division play-off final.

Appointed up in January 2015 as the successor to Wayne Halcro after stepping up from assistant manager following his arrival in November 2014, the former Coalville Town boss led the Gingerbreads to a 12th placed finish in his first full season in charge before mounting back-to-back play-off challenges during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 campaigns.

The Gingerbreads board are set to meet this week to discuss possible successors after paying tribute to Stevens in a statement announcing his departure.

The club said: "Having ultimately fallen short during the 2016-17 season, having had two remarkable unbeaten runs, the club eventually fell just five points short of the play-offs, finishing in eighth position. Adam looked to put that right during what proved to be his final campaign as manager as he led the club to a fourth place finish and a play-off berth that had eluded him the previous season.

"However, despite beating Warrington Town 3-0 in the semi-final, the Gingerbreads again came up short, as they lost the final 2-0 to Ashton United. The board of directors would like to place on record their thanks for all Adam's time and dedication whilst at the club and would like to wish him well in the future. The board will be meeting to discuss the management position and further details will be released in due course."

Image courtesy of @granthamtownfc/Twitter

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