Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Ellesmere Rangers was manager Brad Cooke’s final match in charge of West, confirming to the players, staff, and travelling support at full time that he would be resigning from the role having been offered another opportunity that he was unable to turn down. Also departing will be assistant manager Robert Sadler, who joined the club with Brad at the start of June and helped piece together a squad that started the season in strong form and leaves us in good contention to achieve promotion by the end of the season.

The stand-out result of Brad’s reign to most supporters will likely remain as the 0-0 draw away at Stalybridge Celtic in the F.A. Cup, where a sizeable away support cheered on the team to an against-the-odds draw while taking on higher-level opposition. The previous round had seen West earn a 2-1 win against Squires Gate: another gutsy, dogged performance which the hallmark of those opening few months of the season.

All at the club would like to wish Brad and Robert well in their next endeavour, and – as ever – they will be welcome back at Brookburn Road any time.

Co-chair Rob McKay said: “Everyone at West would like to thank Brad and Rob for their contribution over the last five months.

“Despite only being appointed a week before the start pre-season training the two managed to put together one of the most exciting and talented teams we’ve seen in recent years and despite the short tenure had already given us so many unforgettable memories.

“We wish them the very best of luck in their next venture.”

For Tuesday’s game against Vauxhall Motors, Steve Eckersley will be swapping his role as co-chair for a place on the manager’s bench. The club hope to have an interim solution in place in time for the visit of Runcorn Town in the Macron Cup this Saturday, and any further information about the position of men’s team manager will be posted on our website and social media channels.