Shock as Manager leaves Welsh football club moments after victory
Michael Johnston has left his post as Bangor City manager, despite leading his side to victory on Friday night. (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
Michael Johnston has left his role as manager of historic Welsh football club Bangor City, despite leading the side to victory in the Cymru North on Friday night.
The Citizens came from behind to beat Brickfield Rangers 2-1, recording their fourth consecutive league victory of the campaign. Johnston’s departure comes as a major surprise following the result.
Brickfield took the lead through Andrew Vale, but Bangor turned the game around after the break as summer signings Max Purvis and Connor Evans found the net to secure all three points.
The victory moved them level on points with Brickfield Rangers, who remain top of the table only on goal difference. Bala Town, who have played a game fewer and defeated Bangor on the opening day of the campaign, also won against Rhyl 1879. They now have a game in hand after their match against Penrhyncoch was postponed.
What next for Bangor City 1876?
The club has confirmed that assistant manager Sean Eardley will take charge from Monday, August 31, when Bangor face Mold Alexandra.
Eardley is expected to remain in interim charge for the club’s immediate fixtures, although no specific timeframe has been given for his appointment.
Bangor face old rivals Rhyl 1879 on September 5 before travelling to Penrhyncoch on September 12.
They will then turn their attention to the Welsh Cup on September 19, before facing Penrhyncoch again later in the month.
Johnston’s departure leaves Bangor looking for a new manager at a crucial stage of their Cymru North campaign, with the side having made a strong start to the season, following their promotion from the third tier.
Welsh football club make statement after manager departure
Johnston, affectionately known as “Johno” by supporters, has stepped down because of increasing work and family commitments, according to a statement from the club, which he says mean he can no longer dedicate the time required to manage the first team
While Bangor City 1876 said it was “naturally disappointed” to see Johnston leave, the club added that it “fully understands and respects his decision”.
“Johno departs with nothing but our gratitude and very best wishes,” the club said.
Johnston has been a central figure at Bangor City 1876 since joining the club as a player in the summer of 2019.
He was appointed joint manager in February 2020 before taking sole charge of the first team in 2022, and his tenure culminated in a memorable treble-winning campaign last season as Bangor secured a long-awaited return to the Cymru North.
The club said it wanted to place on record its “enormous thanks” to Johnston for everything he has given, describing him as not only a manager but “a player, leader and someone who has become an integral part of the story of football in our city”.
Michael Johnston’s association with Bangor City
Johnston’s association with Bangor football, however, stretches back almost two decades.
He first arrived in the city in 2007, joining Bangor City on loan before making the move permanent. He went on to captain the side and establish himself as a club legend and fan favourite, helping the club win the Welsh Premier League title in 2011 and lift the Welsh Cup on three occasions.
When Bangor City 1876 was formed, Johnston returned to help write a new chapter in the club’s history.
The club said his contribution had extended far beyond his time in the dugout.
“Through the promotions, the setbacks, the long away journeys, the big occasions and ultimately the trophies, Johno has represented this club with passion, commitment and an understanding of exactly what football means to the people of Bangor,” it said.
The club believes last season’s success was a fitting way for Johnston’s managerial reign to come to an end.
“Last season’s treble and promotion back to the Cymru North will forever stand as a fitting testament to what Johno and his team achieved,” Bangor City 1876 said.
And the club’s tribute ended on a personal note, reflecting on the journey Johnston has taken since first arriving in north Wales as a young player from Liverpool.
“Johno first arrived in our city as a lad from Liverpool.
“He leaves his role as an honorary Bangor lad.
“And, most importantly, a friend to so many and a hero to a generation of supporters.”
The club concluded: “From everyone at Bangor City 1876, we’d like to wish Johno all the best for everything he has given the club and the city over the decades.
“Diolch, Johno.”
