Nick Handley has been relieved of his duties as manager of Pontefract Collieries
Nick Handley has seen his long association with Pontefract Collieries has come to a surprising halt after parting company with the club yesterday.
Handley confirmed to Non League Yorkshire last night that he had left Pontefract.
His shock exit is the opening act of a takeover at the West Yorkshire-based club that will see a new chairman and manager installed in the coming weeks.
It is unclear who will be in the dugout for the visit of Garforth Town on Saturday.
Handley was relieved of his duties just two hours before he was due to take charge of a training session.
The session was cancelled and Handley informed his players that he was no longer at the helm of the club. Assistants Craig Rouse and Simon Houghton are believed to have also left Beechnut Lane.
Handley, who is “gutted” by the decision, has thanked the club’s officials, supporters and volunteers for their support during his time with them.
Handley was only made the sole manager of Pontefract in September after nearly three years as the joint boss alongside Duncan Bray.
The pair, who were assistants to Brendan Ormsby before taking the top job, guided Pontefract to promotion only seven months ago.
Prior to taking a management role, Handley was the club’s captain under Houghton during his spell as manager at the end of the last decade.
More to follow…