Colne boss Steve Cunningham steps down after six years of success

Cunningham, who also played for the club under the legendary Nigel Coates, had been at the helm for the last six seasons - the most successful spell in the club's history - winning the North West Counties Premier Division in 2016, before guiding the Reds to the Northern Premier League First Division North play-offs in 2017 and 2019.

He is stepping down to take a break from football and spend more time with his young family.

Colne Chairman Ryan Haigh said: “Steve was not just my manager, he is also my friend.

"He leaves with the best wishes of everyone connected with the club.

"The work rate and time he committed to the club will be hard to replace.

"He was probably one of the longest serving managers across this level of the football pyramid and his family were big part of the football club as spectators, colleagues and friends.

"Their personalities and enthusiasm for the club has always remained un-wavered and hopefully it won’t be long before we see each other again.

“I would like to place on record my sincere gratitude to Steve for all of his hard work, commitment, determination and inarguable success as manager of this great football club and I wish him well in the future.

"During his time in charge we have achieved so much and so many of his greatest moments as manager will live long in the memory of all Colne fans fortunate to have seen and enjoyed them. Steve’s achievements ensure that he is forever embedded in the history of Colne FC.

"The club will start the recruitment process immediately however as yet, and like everyone involved in football is aware, no one knows when games will resume."