ALVECHURCH | LONG DEPARTS

Difficult decision for Church as they set out criteria for replacement

Pitching In Southern League Premier Central club, Alvechurch, have parted company with manager, Ian Long.

The decision comes after the club won just two of its opening eight League games and exited the Emirates FA Cup at the hands of Halesowen Town on Saturday.

“Ian is the most successful manager in the club’s history, so this decision has not been made lightly,” announced the club in a statement. “We acknowledge the success Ian has brought to the club and thank him for all of his hard work over the years.”

The search is now on for a replacement, with the club adding: “We feel that it is better to make the right decision rather than a quick one, so with this in mind, our current assistant manager, Richard Colwell, will take the group in a caretaker capacity, assisted by Steve Hensel and Matt Kirby and supported by the existing backroom staff.

“The sustainability of the football club is paramount and the role is more suited to a specialist player development coach rather than a traditional non-League manager.”

Long returned to the club for a second spell at the helm during the 2019/2020 season having departed Stourbridge and led them to the play-offs in 2021/22 before last term saw them go on an Emirates FA Cup adventure to the second round proper, including an away win at Cheltenham Town along the way.

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