Cymru North: Manager breaks silence after shock departure from club

Michael Johnston has broken his silence after stepping down as manager of Cymru North club Bangor City 1876 just hours after leading the club to victory over Brickfield Rangers.

The Citizens came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over the league leaders, making it four consecutive Cymru North victories and moving Bangor level on points with Brickfield Rangers.

Johnston’s decision to leave the club has therefore come as a major surprise, with his departure announced following a result which kept Bangor firmly in the early-season promotion picture.

A club statement posted on Friday said increasing work and family commitments meant he could no longer dedicate the time required to managing the first team. As a result, assistant Sean Eardley has taken charge on an interim basis.

Johnston has now paid an emotional tribute to the club and the people who have been part of his 17-year journey in Bangor.

He first joined the club as a player on loan in 2008 before eventually departing as manager in 2026.

Writing after his decision to stand down, Johnston said:

“Well, what can I say! 17 years of football in Bangor has finally come to an end.

“It’s been a privilege and honour to share unbelievable memories, times and occasions at such a special club.

“From signing as a player in 2008 on loan and leaving as the manager in 2026 is some achievement.”

‘I would be nothing without them’

A significant part of Johnston’s message was reserved for the members of his management team, both past and present.

The former Bangor boss acknowledged the role they have played throughout his time in charge and said he could not thank them enough for their support.

“Cannot thank my management team past and present enough for everything they have done for me and I would be nothing without them.”

Johnston’s departure comes at a particularly intriguing point in Bangor’s season.

The victory over Brickfield was their fourth league win in succession and leaves them level on points with the side they had just beaten.

Brickfield, however, remain at the summit because of their superior goal difference.

Bangor right in the mix at the top of Cymru North

The result has ensured Bangor remain firmly among the leading sides in the Cymru North, with the early-season promotion race already beginning to take shape.

Bala Town are also in the mix after beating Rhyl 1879.

They have played one game fewer than both Bangor and Brickfield, with their fixture against Penrhyncoch postponed, meaning they now have a game in hand.

Bala also defeated Bangor on the opening day of the campaign, underlining just how finely poised the battle at the top of the table could become.

For Bangor, though, the focus now turns to life after Johnston and finding a way to maintain the momentum generated by four straight league victories.

‘I do feel it’s the right one for my family’

Despite the timing of his departure, Johnston made clear that the decision was not taken lightly.

He described stepping away as the hardest decision he has ever had to make, but believes his family commitments mean it is ultimately the correct one.

“It has been the toughest decision of my life but I do feel it’s the right one for my family.”

Johnston also thanked the people of Bangor for welcoming him and his family during his long association with the club.

“Thank you to the people of Bangor for welcoming not only me but my family.

“It’s been one hell of a ride with 1876 from tier 5 up to tier 2 with a small blip in between.”

Johnston confident Bangor can go from strength to strength

Bangor City 1876 have risen through the Welsh football pyramid during Johnston’s association with the club, and he believes the foundations are in place for his successor to continue that progress.

The departing manager said the club has everything required for the next man in the dugout to succeed.

“The club will go from strength to strength and whoever comes in has everything in place to succeed.”

Johnston’s final message was one of gratitude to everyone who had shared his journey at the club.

“Thank you everyone who has shared the journey.

“Thanks everyone, John”

For Bangor, the challenge now is to ensure Johnston’s departure does not derail what has been an impressive start to the campaign.

The Citizens have moved level with the league leaders, have won four matches in a row and remain firmly in contention at the top of the Cymru North.