Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Family commitments have forced Brett Lovell to change his mind on becoming the new Penistone Church manager, leaving assistant Steve Lenthall take the helm.
Lovell hung his boots up to replace legendary boss Ian Richards last week and took charge of his only game in the dugout on Saturday – the 1-0 defeat at Bacup Borough in the FA Vase.
However, he has now stood down, ending his seven-year association with Penistone which began in September 2014.
Under new Stocksbridge Park Steels manager Richards, he helped Church enjoy unprecedented success in 2017 when they won promotion out of Division One, along with the NCEL League Cup.
The dramatic twist during an extraordinary week paves the way for club stalwart Lenthall to step up to the top job.
Lenthall has held numerous roles with the club for years and he managed their reserves in the County Senior League for many seasons until relinquishing that role in June.
He will be assisted by Ryan Johnson.
Lenthall will be in full control for the first time when Church host Thackley on Saturday – the first home game since Richards departed.
There is a touch of bizarreness about the situation as Richards held the role for 12 years and since his departure, Church have had two managers inside seven days.
Penistone will issue a lengthier statement over the weekend but in a brief note, they said: “Unfortunately due to family commitments Brett Lovell has had to sadly make a u-turn and step down as first team manager of Penistone Church FC.
“Stephen Lenthall will make the step up from assistant manager to first team manager and will be supported by Ryan Johnson.
“We feel that ‘Lenny’ has deserved his chance on merit, he knows the club inside out and had many very successful years with our reserves.
“We thank Brett for everything he’s done for us over the years.
“He is a top man who is welcome back anytime he’s able to come down.
“We will be putting a more in-depth statement on our website over the weekend.”