BROMLEY CROSS footballer Garry Flitcroft has announced he will stand down as manager of Chorley FC after five successful seasons.

The 42-year-old has led the Victory Park outfit to promotions from the Evo-Stik Division One North to the Vanarama Conference North – only missing out on another promotion last season again losing to Guiseley in the Premier Division play-off.

He will go down in history books after also inspiring them to two Lancashire Challenge Trophy triumphs at the Macron Stadium.

It is understood that he wants to help support his children on their fledgling football careers.

Flitcroft said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in charge but changing business circumstances and the need to support my lads on their football journey like my dad did for me, have meant I cannot devote the necessary time and commitment into sustaining a leading non-league club and could not work to the standards that I set myself.

“I had to think long and hard over my decision as the club and its supporters have become a big part of my life but in the end my head had to rule my heart and it was with more than a touch of sadness I had to make the decision to stand down as manager."

The Bolton News featured FC Strikerz Athleticos Under-11s last season in a match against Horwich St Marys last season where Flitcroft's son Alfie played in midfield during their win.

The team also won their league in the Bolton, Bury District League.

Flitcroft said: "I still plan to be around the club on game days and I look forward to helping wherever I can behind the scenes to get the club to its highest possible level.

"I would like to thank the Board of Directors who have backed me all the way, all of the players who have come in over the last five seasons, as they have all been outstanding for me and been a massive part of the success I’ve had.

"Last but not least the supporters for their backing and support home and away no matter if it was Saturday, mid-week or how far the journey was and would just ask them to get behind Matt and the lads in the same way they backed me.”

But the ex-Turton School pupil has handed over the reins to his former assistant manager and ex-Wanderers ace Matt Jansen in charge alongside club stalwarts Jamie Vermiglio and Jonathan Smith assisting him.

One of the first challenges facing Jansen will be locking horns against his former club when Wanderers send a team to Victory Park on July 15.

Jansen said: "I am absolutely delighted as well as excited to take on the job.

"It will add a little bit of spice to the occasion being in charge against Wanderers.

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Flitcroft will stay on the boards of directors at the club and he brought ex-Blackburn Rovers ace Jansen with him to Chorley five seasons ago.

He said: “Garry standing down did kind of come out of the blue but I fully understand his decision, Garry said he wanted me to take up the reigns and carry on the job we were only really part way through.

“It didn’t take me anytime to make my mind up and after meeting Ken (Wright) and Graham (Watkinson) at the weekend it was apparent that they had the same thoughts.”

Chairman Ken Wright, from Horwich, said: "Garry has done a fantastic job for us and will go down in club history for his success, winning two promotions including the Northern Premier League title and lifting the Lancashire Challenge Trophy twice and taken us to within 45 minutes of The Conference League during his five seasons in charge at Victory Park.

“He has also built an infrastructure at the club, laying down strong foundations to build on in the future.

Once Garry had told us of his decision it was his recommendation that the position be handed to his assistant Matt Jansen, we had a meeting with Matt and the other two lads over the weekend and within a short space of time it became very evident that it was the correct decision not to look any further and appoint Matt as Garry's replacement.”