WITTON Albion have been dealt a hefty blow just 11 days before the new league campaign starts.
They are without a manager and assistant a little more than two years in their posts.
A club statement says that Witton have ‘parted company’ with the manager Jon Macken and his right-hand man Steve Atkinson.
The 46-year-old Macken led Albion to the brink of the Northern Premier League West play-offs last season, missing out on the final weekend.
His first season at the helm also featured a late charge for the higher positions before the final push faded.
Witton lost Saturday’s friendly 5-0 at home to Lancaster City, one of four defeats in five pre-season games – with the only win being the 11-0 against lower-level Winsford Town.
They host neighbours 1874 Northwich tonight in what is currently scheduled as their last friendly before kick-starting their new season at home to City of Liverpool on Saturday, August 10.
Macken has previously managed at Radcliffe Borough and Colne.
The former striker scored more than 100 goals in almost 500 appearances during a much travelled playing career, including stints with Manchester United, Manchester City, Preston North End, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Derby County, Barnsley, Walsall, Northwich Victoria, Stockport County and Bamber Bridge.
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