JOHNNO: BORO FEELS SO RIGHT!

ANTHONY JOHNSON says Radcliffe are the perfect club at the perfect time for him and Bernard Morley to get back into management.

- Matt Badcock

The pair first went into the dug-out together in their mid-20s and led Ramsbottom United to back-to-back promotions before guiding Salford City from Step 4 to Non-League’s top flight and taking Chester to the National League North play-offs.

Now eight months after leaving their last role, at Spennymoor Town, which Johnson says has allowed them a period of reflection, they have been appointed at the NPL Premier Division outfit.

Johnson admits he considered calling time on his first team managerial career if the right club didn’t come along – but he’s grateful one did.

“Radcliffe has always been there, as the crow flies,” the 40-year-old tells The NLP. “I live 1.4 miles from the ground, Bernard is about 800 yards!

“As managers, our success have come from being at Rambsottom, at Salford, in a location where – and I know it’s a bit cliche, a bit cringey – we create that family vibe.

“Even the supporters now at Radcliffe. We know them because of the location. We’d had a couple of options and calls to go in for chats, but ultimately they didn’t feel right.