WARRINGTON Town have been dealt a blow as Paul Carden’s second spell as manager begins in earnest.

On Wednesday night, the club confirmed experienced defender Tom Hannigan had decided to depart the club following an approach from Bootle.

As a non-contracted player, the 36-year-old was subject to a seven-day notice of approach from the Northern Premier League West Division side earlier this month and while he opted against making the move at the time, he has now informed Town of his desire to play closer to home and he will now join the Bucks.

Commenting on Twitter/X, Hannigan says he leaves the club with fond memories – specifically of their promotion to the National League North in 2023 – but felt now was “the right time for a change.”

It brings to an end a highly successful two-year stay at Cantilever Park for Hannigan, who will be reunited with former Yellows teammates Sean Williams and Tony Thompson at the Merseyside club.

Having joined from Altrincham in the summer of 2022, Hannigan’s partnership with Evan Gumbs in the heart of defence formed the backbone of the club’s promotion-winning side that season before again playing a key role in keeping the club in the National League North.

Having played in seven matches this year, Hannigan leaves the club having made 99 appearances.

Tom Hannigan made his 99th and final Town appearance against Spennymoor on SaturdayTom Hannigan made his 99th and final Town appearance against Spennymoor on Saturday (Image: Sean Walsh)

Analysis - 'A player as consistent as they come'

By Matt Turner

For a few weeks now, it has felt like Tom Hannigan's time at Warrington Town was coming to an end.

Bootle's initial approach was very close to being successful but now, the veteran centre-half makes the move to play closer to his home on the Wirral.

As he leaves, he will be remembered as part of the solid foundation upon which the most successful era of the club's history has been built.

A player as consistent as they come - one you could rely upon for a "seven out of 10" performance from every week as a bare minimum - it is a struggle to remember Hannigan ever being beaten in the air while his exemplary reading of the game got Town out of trouble on many an occasion.

And so, Paul Carden's first big job following his return to Cantilever Park will be replacing him quickly and with a player of the right quality.

Peter Clarke's injury is set to sideline him for several more weeks yet and while Ollie Southern is capable of filling in at centre-back, he too has had his fitness struggles. Giant defender Theo Farquharson was signed last week, he is unproven at this level.

Carden does have the luxury of time given Town's next game is still nine days away, but players of Hannigan's experience, quality and consistency do not grow on trees.

Hannigan played a key role in Warrington Town's promotion to the National League NorthHannigan played a key role in Warrington Town's promotion to the National League North (Image: Jonathan Moore)