BREIGHTMET United will be under new management next season, as they look to arrest the slide which has seen them slip to the lower reaches of Division Two.

Relegated last year, Paul Roberts’ United have not really come close to staging a genuine bid for an immediate return this time around.

It is hard not to feel a degree of sympathy for Roberts, who had the heart of his midfield ripped out early in the campaign.

Dragos Barbu returned to Romania and Junior Ralphson left due to work commitments. Although the latter has been able to return in recent weeks, Breightmet are far nearer the bottom of the table than the top.

And they will have to find a new manager to lead them next term as, after three years, Roberts is taking some well-earned time away and told The Bolton News: “I’m coming to the end of my third year as manager and I just need to have a break.

“Most people on the outside just see the management side of things but I’ve had to do a lot of secretarial work too, so I’m planning to have time out. I’ll be watching my eight-year-old Ethan play for Moorside Rangers.

“It’s been a tricky few years, I would have liked more support and help in order to concentrate on developing and improving the team but I ended up just picking players rather than actually being a manager.

“I know a lot of managers are in similar positions but I think it’s time for someone else to take it on.”

Breightmet lost 4-1 at home to Tintwistle on Saturday, a game Roberts says is typical of how their luck has gone this season. Two down, Rob Davis’ goal gave them hope but as they pushed for an equaliser late on they conceded two more, meaning the visitors were somewhat flattered by the result.

“We were struggling for players with injuries, work commitments and suspensions,” added Roberts.

“We created chances but, just like the game before against LR’s Development team, we pushed late on and got caught out on the break.

“It’s been a disastrous season, given the players we had at the start of it. I hope the club can split the manager’s duties and find someone – the right person – to turn it around. I’m still nearby and I’ll continue to support them so I hope things will improve.”

Anyone interested in applying for the manager’s position at Back Bury Road should contact Marlene Murphy on 07841 035547 for more information.

Meanwhile, Bolton County drew 2-2 at home to Heyside.

n In the Lancashire Amateur League Old Boltonians kept their title hopes alive with a 1-0 win at Rossendale, Sean Rushton netting.

Blackrod Town brought a point home from a 2-2 draw at Bury GSOB but Horwich St Marys Victoria lost 2-0 at Failsworth.

Monday night’s cup ties saw home defeats for Old Bolts, 3-2 to Radcliffe Town, and Little Lever, who were beaten 3-0 by Rossendale.

In Division One Bolton Wyresdale won 1-0 at home to Valley United on Saturday but lost 3-1 at Tottington on Monday night.