Ludlow Town could unveil their new manager as early as next week following the departure of Chris Richards from the SBS Stadium.
Richards, who had been at the helm of the West Midland League premier division club for the past four years, signed off last Saturday in style with a 5-0 hammering of Darlaston.
And the club, pondering what direction to take next term, have already made significant moves to install a successor with a couple of names in the frame following discussions this week.
Richards had told the club’s board six weeks ago he was likely to step down, making an official announcement before last Saturday’s home game against Darlaston.
“We’re all delighted the last match went so well for Chris with the 5-0 win,” said the club’s vice-chairman Chris Moss.
“We wanted to wait until after his last game in charge before saying anything, but the sooner that we are able to appoint a successor the better as it would give them most of the summer to plan for next season.
“We have been talking to a couple of interested parties and we could be in a position to make an announcement next week.”
Meanwhile, Richards called time on his spell at Ludlow by seeing his side wallop Darlaston 5-0 at the SBS Stadium – but even such a goal bonanza did not give the departing manager any second thoughts about leaving.
Sean Evans, the former Manchester United trainee now with Cinderford Town, made the most of an outing for his home town club by firing a hat-trick while Paul Whatmough and Martin Jones also found the net.
“It was great to finish with a win like that,” he said. “If we could have put out the same squad as that week in, week out we could have given it a good go in the league, but unfortunately it has never worked out like that.
“With all the ups and downs of the season, to win our last two games is very pleasing.
“Things have been hard all season with an unsettled team, but the lads have kept at it and shown that they can compete at this level.
“Ludlow Town is a big club and it will be sad to go but I have had four good years, and thanks must go to all of my backroom staff.”
He added: “Speaking to the lads afterwards, quite a few want to be here next season but it will be down to whoever takes over and what his plans are.”
Richards’ last official date with Ludlow will be the club’s presentation night on Saturday, May 23 – but he could not have wished for a better finale on the pitch.
Against their faltering visitors, Ludlow looked a different team with crisp passing and slick movement, and on 25 minutes Evans opened the scoring from a perfectly weighted cross from Simon Newhill.
The hosts did have some luck when Darlaston hit the post while also having an effort cleared off the line.
But they extended their lead just before half time when the lively Evans became provider to set up Whatmough to fire home.
Ludlow dominated the second period and Evans doubled his tally midway through the half.
The hosts kept pressing and made it 4-0 through Jones before Evans netted his hat-trick.
