THE winds of change are about to sweep through Gorsey Lane in a way they have not done for a long time.
It is fair to say news of Dave McNabb’s imminent departure from Warrington Rylands caught many by surprise when it emerged over the weekend.
Even now his moving-on has been officially confirmed by the club, there is still a sense of confusion and shock.
Why? And why now?
The usual social media speculation has followed and will no doubt continue, but what can be said for certain, however, is that whoever takes over the Rylands hot seat has big shoes to fill.
McNabb has been at the forefront of the club’s rapid rise through the leagues and onto the national stage via last year’s glorious run to Wembley and lifting the FA Vase.
Indeed, in both of their completed seasons with him at the helm, Blues have finished top of their division - the North West Counties League First Division South in 2018-19 and the Northern Premier League West last season.
A talented and progressive coach, he has enhanced his own reputation significantly and is unlikely to find himself out of the game for very long.
Upon their manager’s departure, Rylands’ next move is an important one.
Former Ashton United and Stafford Rangers boss Jody Banim will take over in the interim and may well see the coming days and weeks as an audition to keep the job on a longer-term basis.
Despite being thrashed 4-0 by Hyde United in the FA Cup last time out, they are in a pretty solid position in the league and sit ninth following three straight victories without conceding.
The next manager – whether it is Banim or somebody else – will inherit a squad that is clearly talented and capable of making an impression at this level.
Hyde return to Gorsey Lane for a league fixture tonight, when it will become a little clearer as to how McNabb’s departure has affected the playing group.
It could go one of two ways. There could be a galvanising effect – the famed “new manager bounce” – but what those at the club will want to avoid is a sustained drop-off that will send them back down the table.
However it goes, we are set for an interesting few weeks in the life of Warrington Rylands 1906 Football Club.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here