Adam Lakeland steps down as Northwich Victoria boss as job becomes ‘untenable’

ADAM LAKELAND has stepped down as Northwich Victoria manager, saying his job at the struggling Step 4 club had became untenable.

The Vics announced last week that they had entered administration to “safeguard its future” and find a new owner.

The Northwich Victoria Supporters’ Association are interested in taking over and are talking to the administrators as they look to get the club back on track.

It has been a tough few years for the Vics after they were forced to leave their Victoria Stadium home in 2012 just seven years after it was opened.

They ground-shared at Stafford Rangers, Flixton and currently play their games at Witton Albion although dwindling attendances – their last Evo-Stik NPL South home game attracted just 75 spectators – have made things extremely difficult.

Former Curzon Ashton coach Lakeland took charge of the Vics in January but has resigned just short of a year at the helm with the current constraints surrounding the club making his job difficult.

Lakeland’s assistant Dave Wild will manage the team for Saturday’s Evo-Stik NPL North fixture at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Lakeland said: “It is with great regret that I have decided to resign from my position as manager of Northwich Victoria.

“Having taken the last 24 hours to reflect on my position and speak to the people closest to me, I feel this is the best decision for both the club and myself.

“Since arriving at the club in January 2016 I have given my all every day despite the constant off field troubles. I have served the club to the best of my ability and with great patience and understanding for just short of 12 months.

“However, due to the increasing constraints imposed on the club, I feel I am unable to fulfil my role in the way I wish to and therefore no longer see my position as tenable.

“It has been a great honour to manage a football club with such a rich history. Northwich Victoria and its supporters will forever be in my heart and I hope to see the club survive and thrive again in the future.”