After the positivity of their hard-earned win away at Stockton Town in the FA Trophy, Bootle are almost back at square one.
The man previously at the helm, David McNabb, took over Bury FC manager in the North West Counties Premier League.
Exactly six months on from his appointment – in light of Steve McNulty’s shock departure – McNabb received an approach from the Shakers as they looked to fill their managerial vacancy. It came just over a week after Andy Welsh parted company with the Greater Manchester club.
While the prospect of managing Bury has dominated the coverage, Bootle are now left searching for another manager.
Whoever is next will be the fourth appointment in just over a year. McNulty subsequently replaced former Prescot Cables manager Brian Richardson, but lasted seven months as their positive campaign quickly fizzled out.
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McNabb arrived at Vesty Road, following his short spell with Macclesfield, to help steer the Bucks away from the bottom five.
In what was a busy summer for Bootle, a host of high-profile names walked through the door at the Berry Street Garage Stadium.
They have nine points in their opening seven games and sit just two points outside the playoff positions. Despite being knocked out of the FA Cup, the Bucks remain in the FA Trophy and face Jamie Milligan’s Bamber Bridge of the Northern Premier League Premier Division on October 7 – which will be the first competitive game for the new Bootle manager.
Tim Lees, who was McNabb’s assistant manager at Macclesfield and Bootle, will join the backroom staff at Gigg Lane.
The interview process has yet to get underway at Bootle, but the phone is likely to be ringing.
Both managers in and out of work are being suggested, but Off The Park understands the conversations are yet to take place over the vacancy as the list of candidates piles up.
An FA Cup tie with former club, Chester, awaits Nantwich Town manager Paul Carden, who could be an possible option for Bootle.
The 44-year-old enjoyed an impressive playing career with the Seals and Cambridge United – in the dugout, he has a wealth of experience higher up the divisions with the likes of Tranmere Rovers, Southport and Warrington Town.
Former Radcliffe manager Bobby Grant and Jim Gannon, most notably of Stockport County, as well as former Blackpool manager Terry McPhillips – who has been out of the game since leaving his role as Chief Scout at Forest Green Rovers – are among the possible options, who are currently unattached.
Mick McGraa will be a familiar name to Bootle fans, more recently due to his Vauxhall Motors side halting their momentum after their 6-2 win over Consett United. Like Carden, the Motors boss is in a position within the Northern Premier League West.
