Bootle have dismissed manager Brian Richardson following their FA Cup exit to Congleton Town.
The decision comes after a winless start in the Northern Premier League West and their exit from the prestigious cup competition in the Preliminary Round to the North West Counties side.
In a 48-word statement on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after being dumped out of the cup, the Bucks released a statement which read:
“Bootle Football Club have decided to relieve Brian Richardson of his duties as first team manager.
The committee would like to thank Brian and his coaching staff for all of their work and commitment over the last season.
“The club will make a further announcement in due course.”
Bootle appointed former Luton Town, Tranmere Rovers and Fleetwood Town manager Steve McNulty, on Wednesday (August 24).
Richardson, who prior to his arrival at the Berry Street Garage Stadium was assistant manager at FC United of Manchester, took over from long-term manager Joe Doran, last September.
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It was their first season in the Northern Premier League following their promotion via upward movement and the new manager helped turn around fortunes and turn them into playoff contenders after one win from their opening five.
However at the business end of the season, a four-match losing run derailed their ambitions following their defeat away to Runcorn Linnets. During that run, they were handed home defeats by Kidsgrove Athletic, Clitheroe and Workington AFC with an away defeat to Leek Town amongst it.
That run came to an end with a win over Trafford which was followed up by their win over Marine, which completed a league double.
But pre-season saw them win just one of their friendlies before kicking off their campaign with a 4-0 defeat at home to Leek before drawing with Widnes.
They were forced into a replay with Congleton Town in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup but were beaten 4-1 on Tuesday which proved to be his final game.
Following the defeat, Richardson was left questioning himself and his Bootle side.
They travel to Trafford on Saturday before their derby clash with City of Liverpool on Monday.
