Managerial and player departures at Hanley Town

Shotton, 35, initially joined the Blues in 2021, before going on to become a player-manager for the club in November 2022.

The former Stoke City, Birmingham City and Middlesborough defender steered the club to safety during his first season in charge, and has since overseen the highest league finish in the club's modern history.

After a difficult start to the season which has seen them pick up just one win from their opening nine fixtures, Shotton has announced his departure as manager, alongside assistant manager Ben Chapman following their midweek 2-1 defeat at home to Runcorn Linnets.

Hanley Town have also confirmed that Louis Dodds has left the club.

Dodds, who made 289 appearances for Port Vale, joined in 2021, linking back up with former Valiants teammate Carl Dickinson, who was then in charge of the Blues.

The 37-year-old announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2022/23 season, going on to become first-team coach for the club.

Long-standing midfielder Tim Sanders will also depart the club.

In a statement, Hanley Town chairman Ron McIlreavy said: "I cannot thank Ryan and Ben enough for their efforts over the past two-and-a-half years, keeping us in the league during their first attempt at management and breaking records for where the club finished in the league and also FA Trophy success. 

“They are two fantastic men first and foremost and fantastic ambassadors for Hanley Town Football Club, I wish them both every success in whatever they do next.”

Photo credit: Hanley Town FC