Brian Atkinson leaves Newton Aycliffe after relegation to the Ebac Northern League | OneFootball

Brian Atkinson has left his role as Newton Aycliffe manager, weeks after the club’s relegation to the Ebac Northern League. The former Sunderland midfielder ends a historic spell in charge.

The club said in a statement that chairman Alan Oliver thanked Atkinson, said the Northern League title would be long remembered, and added he fully respected the decision and was grateful for his work.

After assistant posts at Darlington, Spennymoor Town and Aycliffe, Atkinson took the top job in 2021. He led Aycliffe to fourth in the Northern League’s top tier.

The 2022/23 campaign delivered the title and promotion to the Northern Premier League, the highest level in the club’s history.

Aycliffe then finished sixth and seventh in successive seasons, missing the play-offs. This campaign proved far tougher, with key departures and only nine wins in 42 league games. They went down alongside Bishop Auckland and Blyth Town.

A new manager will take charge as Aycliffe prepare for life back in the Northern League.

Source: Sunderland Echo