Newton Aycliffe manager Allan Oliver has moved aside at the Moore Lane Park club, allowing Player/Coach Dan Mellanby the opportunity to manage his hometown team.
The decision – taken by Oliver at the weekend – was passed by club officials, and Mellanby takes charge of first team affairs with immediate effect.
Oliver will remain with the club in the capacity as Chairman, with outgoing incumbent Gary Farley continuing his role as Assistant Manager to 35-year-old Mellanby.
Having taken the Newtonians from the parks to the top tier of the Northern League, and after more than 300 games in charge, Oliver felt the need for a new direction at the club.
He said, “I am extremely proud of the job I have done at the club, but it’s time for a change. Dan is a fantastic player, a fantastic coach and I know he’ll make a fantastic manager.
“He has the right attitude, and the right ideas, and he’ll take no nonsense in there. If the players think they’re getting a mate first and a manager second, they can think again.
“I’ve known Dan for 20 years, and he has the highest of standards. He’s the right man at the right time to take this club to the next stage.”
Outgoing Chairman Farley added, “I’d personally like to thank Allan for his hard work and dedication over the past eight seasons. Without that man, this club would still be playing local pub football.
“If he’s half as successful in his new role as he was in the one he’s just vacated, then this club will be in an ever better position in years to come.”