Salford City have parted company with joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, citing “irreconcilable differences”.
The Ammies lifted the Vanarama National League North title just over two weeks ago, the pair’s third promotion in four years.
In that time, Johnson and Morley also guided their side to an FA Cup run.
According to a statement by the club the decision came following a meeting between the club’s management and the managers.
The two sides reportedly found “irreconcilable differences around personal terms relating to contract length and performance-related matters”.
Despite attempts to work through the differences, no mutually acceptable agreement could be reached.
First team coach Derek Egan will also depart the club, the statement said.
SCFC announcement regarding Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.https://t.co/OaBdiSk7Hv pic.twitter.com/vSE8VI4Awu
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) May 8, 2018
Gary Neville, one of the part-owners of the club, said in a statement: “‘The last four seasons with the managers have been the most successful in the club’s history and a huge part of that is down to Anthony and Bernard, so this announcement is regrettable.”
He added however that due to the unmanageable differences “it is the right decision for all concerned”.
Anthony Johnson said: “Although we are naturally disappointed we felt the time was right. To go out on a high, after securing another promotion, makes us ready for the next challenge and although that won’t be with Salford City, we are already excited about where that challenge will be.
“We have had a great time at Salford City with a great set of players who have delivered what we asked and as a manager that is all you want.”
Johnson and Morley were appointed as joint-managers of the club in January 2015.
Morley said of the decision to leave the club: “We have always given everything to Salford City and although we couldn’t come to an agreement on our future we would like to thank the club for the opportunities they have given us.”
“The fans have been exceptional, and we will miss them but want to wish the club every success in the National League.”
Fans have expressed a mix of emotions to the announcement.
Some fans have shared their shock, whilst others have told of how they weren’t surprised by the decision and support it if it is for the benefit of the club.
The club is expected to make further announcements regarding the future of the club’s managerial position in the coming days.
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