ATHERTON COLLS were this week hit by a bombshell when manager of just a few weeks Steve Vychinski put in a disappearing act for the first night of pre-season training.

"Nav" had built a reputation as one of the top amateur managers in the North West, having masterminded Little Hulton United to a Manchester League Premier Division title in his first season in charge, following it up with a Cup double of Westhoughton Charity Cup and Lancs ADIDAS Amateur Shield.

He surprisingly parted company at Avon Close within days of that big Shield win, with the side he had assembled going on to lift the Bolton Hospital Cup. In the summer, he made a "come and get me" announcement to clubs at semi pro level. That's exactly what Colls did, giving him the opportunity he craved for at NWCL level.

His appointment looked perfect for both parties, despite the financial constraints. The Atherton club is quite rightly looking to consolidate after just one season in Division 1.

Staying there is the number one priority after promotion and Colls had managed that under Ian Lamb and Steve Walton's stewardship. But the money needed to be successful at that level was an eye-opener for Colls, as it would be for any club.

With Lamb having joined another former Colls manager Alan Lord at Salford City and Walton agreeing to become one of Gerry Luczka's back-up staff across town at Atherton LR, the appointment of an ambitious young manager was the prime target. This would allow the club to get the finance in place as the manager builds a side for the future.

Undaunted, club Chairman Steve Payne has immediately set about finding replacements. "It's a surprise that he's finished because we made it very clear right from the off that there would be no money available this season for paying players. However, we should be in a position to make an announcement about a quality replacement over this weekend."

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