Prestwich Heys have parted company with joint managers Russell Saunders and Matty Russell.

Saturday’s defeat to FC St. Helens extended a run of 11 league games without a win, which has yielded only one point, leaving the team four points adrift in the North West Counties League Premier Division relegation zone, having played more games than all the sides directly above them.

With the fixture programme nearing the midpoint of the season, and without any sign of a change in results, despite recent recruitment, the board felt steps needed to be taken to try and bring about an upturn in fortunes and remove the threat of relegation.

A club statement read: “It is acknowledged that the managers entered the role under challenging circumstances, and they have both worked tirelessly to try and bring results to the table.

“We would like to thank Russell and Matty for their hard work during their time at the club and wish them both well for the future.”

Nick Simister will take charge of the team on an interim basis with a trip to Pilkington up next on Saturday (3pm).

Applications for the vacant role of manager are invited in writing to Heys chairman Jon Lyons by email to heyschairman2024@gmail.com