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AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021 Radcliffe FC shake off interest in coaching duo as they reject official approach for their managers
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester team Radcliffe FC have shooed off suitors for their first team coaches after receiving and rejecting an offer for their pair of managers.
In a word, it was a big, fat, definitive NO.
Joint Radcliffe bosses, Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, have lifted the National League North side into seventh after 19 games, currently outperforming virtually all of their nearby rivals and other regional sides in the division.
With the likes of fellow local outfit Curzon Ashton sat in ninth, their former employers Chester FC in 11th, not to mention Chorley, Buxton, Macclesfield FC and Southport sliding into the bottom half, it’s clear that other clubs are hoping they can have a similarly positive effect on their position in the table.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that Boro’s board have no intention of letting their gaffers go, and it looks as though the duo have no interest either.
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Sharing a short but emphatic statement online, the club wrote: “We can confirm that an approach has been made regarding Managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, and wish to make clear that this approach has been formally rejected.
“Both Managers remain fully committed to their current roles, and we hold Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley in the highest regard, valuing the incredible ongoing work they continue to deliver.
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“As such, no discussions or negotiations will be entered into, and no further comment will be made at this time.”
Johnson and Morley previously made waves when they together helped Salford City gain promotion to the National League for the first time before eventually departing in 2018.
To put it simply, they’ve told the as-yet-undisclosed would-be poachers to ‘do one’, and the fans certainly seemed to enjoy it.
Wasn’t too hard to resist if they rejected it so quickly 🤣
— RBFC fan page (@x7tgvbdrkg) December 4, 2025
Don’t call again 🔵🟡 pic.twitter.com/i14hJnrbDj
— Carl Franklin (@Carlfranklin83) December 4, 2025
As you can see, besides some speculation that the call might have come from the aforementioned Chester in hopes of them returning home, even Shakers fans themselves are apparently insisting that the club in question is Bury FC, who are currently in the West Division of the Northern Premier League.
The fact that Johnson is said to be a Bury fan himself has certainly added some fuel to the fire, but it appears as though they’ll be staying put – at least for now.
Nevertheless, there’s clearly plenty of admiration for the work they’re doing at Stainton Park; one user commented: “Keep Johnno and Morley. They are top guys. We have [Bobby] Grant at Marine, who is doing fine. Shows what a good job these guys are doing.”
Do you reckon they’ll stick around for the foreseeable, Boro fans?
Speaking of ‘The Seals’ over in Cheshire, you can see the highlights from the away victory against Radcliffe FC down below, and if not.
Read more:
- The Rest Is Football to host new Netflix show during the 2026 World Cup
- Liquidated: Salford Red Devils have officially gone bust after more than 152 years
- Stockport County FC’s Xmas dinner in a cup returns to festive food menu for 2025
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Ingy The Wingy (via Flickr/Wikimedia Commons)
Alternative Christmas Markets to visit around Greater Manchester in 2025
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester Christmas Markets are in full swing, and despite having a new layout this year and a few brilliant new traders, they are kinda the same as always.
So if you’re seeking out something a bit different for your festive day out, Christmas shopping, or even dinner, there are a few alternative markets to try this winter.
From a brand-new event where street food traders centre around a flaming mulled wine bar, to one of the region’s best-loved weekend markets that now has a festive twist, there’s absolutely loads going on.
These spots are a great place to discover new local businesses, buy something from an independent creator, and fill your cup with festive cheer too.
So if you’ve had your fill of Piccadilly Gardens, King Street and Albert Square, get your skates on and try these alternative Christmas markets around Greater Manchester instead.
Christmas at St John’s
Down in the St John’s district, beneath a 200-capacity heated stretch tent, you’ll find all sorts of independent food and drink, and even a Christmas tree shop.
Christmas at St John’s is curated and operated by GRUB – and if you love to spend your spare time in a market setting, you’ll already know you couldn’t be in more trustworthy hands than this.
At the centre of everything is a Feuerzangenbowle bar, serving flaming mulled wines, with pop-ups from resident favourites like Trading Route and Stables Tavern as well as Good Wines and Verdant brewery.
And as for the food, you’ll find traders like V Goode Pies, Bab Korean, and Spuds Bros.
GRUB on the docks
There’s a brand-new feasting hub on the waterfront at Salford Quays this year, and again, it’s the award-winning GRUB at the helm.
GRUB On The Docks: Christmas Takeover is transforming the On The Docks site into a cosy Christmas market, with great food, winter drinks, festive entertainment, community-led experiences, and even a mini Christmas market.
The core trader lineup includes local favourites like CAFF, Above and Beyond, Baby Mayhem, and Wholesome Junkies.
Christmas is here at Circle Square
Over at Circle Square just off Oxford Road, you’ll find a vibrant winter wonderland has overtaken this new neighbourhood, with loads of events going on (and the beauty of this vs the Christmas Markets is that they’re all indoors…).
There’s a festive paint and sip event at Hello Oriental (10 December), Christmas chocolate making with cocktails at North Bar (17 December), and a gingerbread decorating workshop at Tsujiri (13 December).
Then all the businesses that call this area home will have festive specials on, like a festive feast pizza at Taphouse, mince pie danishes at Half Dozen Other, and more from Onda, Meatworks, Detroit Slims, Monkey Trio and Federal.
Winter Island at Freight Island
Winter Island has returned to Freight Island, the enormous street food and events space just near Manchester Piccadilly – and there’s a brand-new light trail here too.
Twilight Tales has taken over the heated courtyard, filling it with a twinkling Christmas tree forest and other glowing installations and promising to be the most financially accessible Christmas experience with tickets from only £5.
Beyond that, you’ll find loads of new food inside Winter Island, including V. Goode Pies.
The Makers Market
The Makers Markets are one of the most long running and popular marketplace events in Greater Manchester, taking place in a different neighbourhood every single weekend.
These beloved markets have naturally taken a festive twist as Christmas draws closer with masses of traders selling all kinds of seasonal gifts, food and drink.
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Before Christmas actually arrives, you’ll still find some Xmas markets from these guys, including at Quayside, plus less Christmas-focused markets in areas like the Northern Quarter, Prestwich, Sale, Chorlton and West Didsbury.
See more HERE.
Bruce’s Doggy Christmas Market
Why should your dog miss out on all the festive action, when there’s an alternative Christmas Market created especially for them?
Bruce’s Doggy Day Care in Lymm is bringing the ultimate Christmas market to Cheshire, in support of Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ Home.
You’ll find a Santa Paws the Grotto where dogs can meet Santa and get a treat, explore Bruce’s Elf Trail, and check out a series of arts, craft and gift opportunities including artisan gifts for dog parents.
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And both you and four-legged friend can warm up afterwards with puppacinos and mulled wine.
Register HERE to attend.
Read more
- The best food and drink at the Manchester Christmas Markets 2025
- Cosy pubs near the Manchester Christmas Markets where you can avoid the madness
- 8 European Christmas markets you can fly to from Manchester, from £27 return
Featured image: The Manc Group
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