The summer of 2012 proved to be an unusual one for Town who had parted company with Jimmy McBride at the end of the previous season and undertaken an extensive recruitment process which saw former Flixton boss Lloyd Morrison accept the Town hot-seat.

Unfortunately a disagreement regarding where the club’s summer training should be based saw Morrison step down after just five days ‘in charge’.

The club acted swiftly and appointed former player and manager Gary Bickerstaffe but he too had second thoughts and just a few days later indicated his intention not to take up the role.

Ian Granite eventually joined Town following success as manager of Wigan Robin Park Reserves who were crowned NWCFL Reserve Division Champions and the Wigan Cup winners courtesy of a 3-0 final victory over Ashton Athletic. Ian was joined by former Town player Stephen Edwards who became Assistant Manager.

Town Chairman John McKiernan commented at the time on the club’s incredible tale of managerial mayhem.

“Parting company with one manager after just five days after confirming his appointment was something you don’t really expect to happen and having then decided to approach Gary we were delighted when he accepted our offer.

“I was about to set off for a week in the sun and spoke to Gary on the afternoon of my departure and everything looked to be back on track after a frantic couple of days.

“Unfortunately less than a week later and while still abroad I received a text from club Secretary Jeff Voller informing me that Gary had stepped down! I accessed the email Gary had sent and had a conversation with him and I fully understand his reasons.

“Gary had simply allowed his heart to rule his head when accepting the manager’s role and after a busy week juggling work, football activities and a young family he felt he had no option but to step down.

“Despite the obvious disappointment and the fact that this left the club in an embarrassing and precarious situation it was difficult to fault Gary. Maybe my desire to act quickly to restore order to the club after the departure of Lloyd Morrison days earlier had forced the club and Gary into hasty partnership. There were certainly no hard feelings and I understand that Gary has already spoken with Ian regarding players, training and fixtures.

“Hopefully it’s now time to put the past couple of weeks behind us and with Ian taking the managerial reins I am confident that we can now get on with the hard work of pre-season activities.”