Northwich Victoria confirm Lee Duckworth as new manager

A name and face that will be familiar to football fans in our region through his lengthy association with Winsford United as both player and manager, Duckworth has agreed to succeed Matt Barnes as Vics manager following the resignation of his predecessor last week.

Having made more than 700 appearances for Winsford as a player, Duckworth took over the managerial reigns in 2015 and stayed in his role until March of this year.

More recently, he has been part of the management team at Alsager Town, whom he has guided to third place in the North West Counties League First Division South alongside Luke Goddard.

Now, however, he is tasked with moving Vics up the Midland Football League Premier Division table – they currently sit 12th.

His first assignment is not until Wednesday against Cheadle Town in the Cheshire Senior Cup, but the new boss is looking forward to getting started.

“I’m delighted to be offered the opportunity to manage this fantastic club,” he said.

“Northwich Victoria has been one of the most famous non-league clubs for decades, and now to be given the opportunity to help navigate them up the leagues is a real honour.

“The moment I met Ian (Egerton, club chairman) and the committee, it was obvious the plans and ambitions to drive the club forward were exciting and something I wanted to become part of.

“As a management team, we will work hard to ensure everything we can to bring success back to the club and put smiles on faces around the place.

“I look forward to a match day and meeting as many of the supporters as possible.”

Following the departure of Barnes and assistant Chris Broad, skipper Matty Clarke and fellow senior player Joe Camozzi took over on an interim basis to guide the team through a 1-1 draw with Stourport Swifts.

Egerton was keen to thank both players as well as the previous management team while at the same time expressing excitement for the club’s new era.

"As a club, we have been very grateful to have received so many applications, messages of support and recommendations as part of our recruitment process.

“This process has now been completed and after a number of interviews over the weekend, it is my great pleasure that I can officially announce Lee Duckworth as the new first team manager for Northwich Victoria Football Club. 

“Lee's interview and presentation was outstanding, and his reputation and knowledge of the local area in particular is without doubt recommended and recognised by many.

“Lee's management team will be announced over the next few days, but I know every Northwich Victoria supporter will be absolutely delighted with the quality and experience that will be working alongside Lee and indeed these will be very exciting times for the football club.

“I would like to pay special thanks to both captain Matty Clarke and long-serving player Joe Camozzi for all their help and support this last week both at training and taking charge of the weekend’s clash vs Stourport Swifts.

“I would also like to thank all my players for sticking with us during this process and for their continued professionalism in representing Northwich Victoria.

“Finally. I would like to say a final thank you to both Matt Barnes and Chris Broad for their time at our football club and we wish them every success in the future.”