GREAT Harwood are on the hunt for a new manager after John Hughes left the club to join UniBond side Chorley.

Hughes has been in charge at the Showground for two years and took them into the North West Counties First Division this season after they finished fourth.

However the former Magpies player was too tempted by a return to Victory Park to turn the offer down.

"I am excited. It was an offer I couldn't refuse," said Hughes.

"I have been at Harwood for two years and have some good memories."

"I watched Matty (Derbyshire) sign for Blackburn Rovers, we had a good FA Cup run where we could have faced Accrington Stanley if we had beaten Harrogate and we got promoted this year - which was the target Bill (Holden - the chairman) set me."

"I have seen a lot of young players come through and Bill has said I am always welcome back."

"But Chorley is a club I played at for five years and I have so many memories from there."

"I was part of the FA Cup side who played Wolves and Preston and got promoted from the Northern Premier League into the Conference with them."

"They are a sleeping giant and although they struggled last season, I am hoping I can turn things around."

"It is a new challenge for me and a good opportunity."

"But I would like to thank everyone who has helped me at Harwood - the chairman, the young lads and the tea ladies - everyone has played their part in the success."

Chairman Bill Holden said: "I would like to thank John for all the hard work he has put in over the last two years."

"He has done a tremendous job and we are sad to lose him."

Hughes took over from Denis Underwood at Harwood and takes over from Jim McBride at Chorley. McBride replaced former Stanley player Mark Patterson towards the end of last season.

Meanwhile the Harwood chairman is now on the lookout for a new manager for the coming season.

Anyone interested should contact Bill Holden on 07969 503052.

  • THE Great Harwood Town roll of honour at their presentation night recently was:

Player's Player of the Year - Bobby Harris; Supporters' Player of the Year - Anthony Green; Players' Sportsman of the Year - Dave Anwar; Managers' Player of the Year - James Dean.