Chris Baguley along with brothers Jamie and Mark have left their positions in charge of Atherton LR following the 2-0 defeat to Prestwich Heys in Hospital Cup final on Friday night.

The club issued a brief statement that also said: “The trio oversaw an impressive change of fortunes and we thank them for all their efforts and wish them all the best in their new challenge.

“The club are welcoming applications for the 1st Team Manager position and are looking to interview as early as this week.”

Anyone interested in the role, applications should be sent to chairman Shaun Lynch at lynchy63@live.co.uk.

Meanwhile Heys co-manager Lee O’Brien praised LR for their efforts but was delighted to lift the cup - and did so without conceding a goal, writes Ian Templeman.

“I thought LR were excellent for long periods. For at least half an hour in the second half they were the better team in my opinion,” he said.

“We did get back in towards the end of the game and had a few chances.

“The (first) goal came at a good time for us, it was a well worked free kick although it was a tap in. But we encourage our forwards to go looking for the bread and butter goals, and over the course of the season we probably haven’t had many of those.

“Someone just pointed out to me that we haven’t conceded a goal in the whole competition, which is pleasing for us.

“When you enter a competition you have to take it seriously and that was our aim as a management team.

“It’s been a big learning curve for us this season, but we’ve finished seventh in the Premier Division and had some obstacles to overcome as well.

“So now to get a bit of silverware as well, all in all it’s been a good season."