In a shock announcement, Bishop Auckland Football Club has confirmed the departure “with immediate effect” of manager Chris Hardy.
The news comes just 24 hours after defeat to Birtley Town in the Durham Challenge Cup, but also after extending the side’s unbeaten league run to eight games at the weekend with a creditable 1-1 draw at Bradford Park Avenue.
A statement released by the club on X on Wednesday evening said: “After just over 3 years at the Bishops’, Manager Chris Hardy has decided to stand down with immediate effect.
“Chris commenced the challenge in October 2021 and that first campaign concluded in a successful relegation battle, followed by a solid consolidation in 2022/23 when the team narrowly missed a play-off position. The main course was still to come…
“The 2023/24 season saw the ‘two blues’ crowned Northern League champions for the 20th time and the first in almost 40 years.
“We will be forever grateful for Chris’ efforts and achievements in his 3 year spell at Heritage Park. The Board of Directors and everyone associated with the Club can only say: ‘THANK YOU!’
“From Saturday, Leon Carling will take the reins at BAFC.”
Bishops had made it eight games unbeaten with a well deserved point at high flying Bradford Park Avenue at the weekend, reports Gavin Hadden, thanks to a John Howard diving header after going behind in the first half to a Paddy Sykes.
A solid start for both sides saw a tight opening quarter, but the home side got their noses in front on 39 minutes when a clearance from Catterick was pounced on and after some lovely play around the Bishops’ defence, Sykes added the finishing touch.
However, with 16 minutes left on the clock and the Two Blues pegging the hosts in their own half, Bartliff delivered a delicious cross for
Howard to stoop and head home the equaliser.
The previous weekend, Bishops’ overcame the challenge of Howard’s first half red card to battle to a home win against Sheffield FC.
Louis Johnson scored from the spot before Matty Tymon secured the points in the second half.
The main talking point of a fragmented opening half was another straight red card for Howard, a carbon copy of the one he picked up against Emley.
However, four minutes before the break, Giraud was brought down with the referee signalling a penalty.
Johnson stepped up to send Hall the wrong way and give Bishops a huge leg up in the game.
With Sheffield pressuring from the start of the second half, Bishops remained a threat on the break and with 74 minutes played, great work from Giraud in the middle saw him find Johnson who did well to pick out Tymon for a simple finish.
The numbers were levelled up with ten minutes left when Hardacre was sent off for the visitors.
Meanwhile, Tuesday night saw the Bishops disappointingly exit the Durham Challenge Cup 3-5 on penalties to Birtley Town after a 0-0 draw at Heritage Park, albeit the Two Blues main focus for the season will be survival in the Northern Premier League East Division.
Bishops now sit 13th in the league table and travel with their new manager this weekend to leaders, Cleethorpes Town.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
