Moran appointed youngest Nantwich Town manager for 40 years

The 27-year-old becomes the Dabbers' youngest manager in four decades, after taking over the role from Paul Carden, who departed to re-join National League North side Warrington Town in September.

A former Crewe Alexandra youth player, Moran's first involvement with Nantwich began during a loan spell in March 2015, before joining permanently in July of the same year.

After spells at the likes of Forest Green, Chester, Bradford Park Avenue and Stafford Rangers, he returned to the Weaver Stadium in 2022 and went on to take his appearance tally to over 100 appearances.

The club have confirmed that Andy Porter and Darren Thornton will return to the club, joining Jay Speare as part of Moran's backroom team. 

On his appointment as first team manager, Moran said: "I am proud and humbled to have been given this opportunity, and having been associated with the club for almost 10 years since they gave me my first opportunity in senior football following my release from Crewe, I understand what it means to represent it, and more importantly what it means to the supporters and the wider community and all of our many magnificent junior and youth sides as well.

“I have been fortunate to work alongside Paul Carden and his management team over the past couple of seasons, and whilst we are still looking for a couple of additions to strengthen us, he has assembled a fantastic group of players that I believe are capable of great things.

"We will be doing our utmost to build on all of this with passion and commitment, and hopefully our supporters will have already seen that we want to play exciting and entertaining football.

"I thank them all for the incredible support and encouragement that they have given to us since I took over on an interim basis from Paul, and I look forward to us all enjoying some more memorable and exciting times together.”

Nantwich Town chairman Jon Gold said: “We are delighted that Jon is now our manager. 

"His heart and soul is in the club, and he has a stature, maturity and experience that belies his age. Whilst there are obviously many challenges ahead, with such a strong and experienced management team and the fantastic squad of players in place, we look forward to overcoming them together and some exciting times.”

Photo credit: Nantwich Town FC