Joint-bosses leave Mossley

Non-league football by Ryan Booth

Mossley have parted company with long-serving joint managers Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison after the pair spent five years in their Seel Park roles.

Band and Morrison were in charge for 245 Mossley fixtures - the second longest reign in the club’s history - but after some frustrating the results throughout the current campaign, the club made the call for the pair to depart.

A statement from the Lilywhites read: “The Mossley directors have taken the decision to part company with joint managers Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison after almost five full seasons in charge at Seel Park.

“We'd like to place on record our sincere thanks to both Peter and Lloyd for their superb efforts during their time with the club.”

Band joined Mossley in 2011 as a player towards the end of his illustrious non-league career and made 49 appearances for the club before being named assistant manager to Steve Halford after previous manager Gareth McClelland’s departure.

Former Altrincham player Band was then named first-team manager in August 2013 and Morrison quickly joined the club from his role as Winsford United manager.

The pair enjoyed a degree of success during their tenure at the club, chiefly in the form of two Manchester Premier Cup victories.

The duo also brought a number of talented players through Seel Park before allowing them to forge successful careers higher up the ladder in both the semi-professional and professional game.

Carlisle’s Richie Bennett and Hyde United’s Tom Pratt are just a couple from a long list of success stories under Band and Morrison’s stewardship.

Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle about the club’s decision, Band revealed his disappointment at the verdict, but reiterated he feels no animosity towards the Lilywhites' hierarchy.

Band said: “Obviously I’m gutted, but you’ve got to respect the club’s decision.

“I’d like to thank them on behalf of myself and Lloyd for giving us a good opportunity to manage at a good club.

“We’ve not won the league but we’ve won two Premier Cups, I also won two as a player.

“I’ve met a lot of good people along the way and I’d like to thank everyone that has ever supported us, especially the fans - the response has been overwhelming.

“All our memories at Mossley are good ones, I just wish the club the best for the future and hopefully myself and Lloyd will earn a future opportunity elsewhere as we work well together.”

Meanwhile, Mossley have today announced Band and Morrison’s successors in the form of joint-managers Dave Wild and Terry Hincks.

Wild arrives from Hallmark Security League First Division side Stockport Town, while Hincks joins after previous roles with Cheadle Town and Glossop North End.

Wild and Hincks are set to take charge of their first game this coming Saturday when Mossley travel to Ramsbottom United.

Kick-off time is 3pm at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.