The 33-year-old, one of the most successful bosses in the club’s history, bowed out with a 3-2 win over Witton Albion at Wincham Park on Saturday as the Blues ended the campaign in seventh spot in the Evo-Stik First Division North.

“It’s a special club,” he said. “There are so many people that work incredibly hard there on a voluntary basis to keep the club going. It’s a well run, self-sufficient, family club.

“It’s full of people who are passionate about it and care a lot for the club and they always strive to do their best. I hope they can go on to build on what we’ve done this season.”

Garner has certainly left a lasting impression at Shawbridge. The midfielder, who made his 250th appearance this term, has proved to be incredibly successful alongside assistant Ryan Parr.

The pair guided the Blues to the LFA Challenge Trophy final at the Macron Stadium, steered them to third in the table, helped defender Danny Morton step up the ladder and ushered leading scorer Sefton Gonzales and winger Scott Harries into the team of the year.

“There have been many highs,” said Garner. “Playing my 250th game for the club was nice. It’s a great milestone and I’m very happy to have done that for such a good club.

“It’s great because there’s not that many people that do that. It’s a nice achievement and I’m proud of it.”

He added: “I just want to wish everybody at Clitheroe FC the best of luck. They’ve provided me with some great opportunities both as a player and a manager.

“I’ll take those experiences with me to my grave. I’ve met a lot of good people and made a lot of good friends. I’ll always cherish the time that I’ve had with the club.”