Barton United are on the lookout for a new management team.

Long-term boss Greg Smith stepped down in January after moving away from the area and former player Stuart Johnson, who took over the post, has now confirmed he will depart due to work commitments at the end of the season.

The club play in the Midland Football Division Three and Johnson admitted the task would not be an easy one for whoever came in.

“It is a difficult league, with some well-established clubs competing with it,” he said. “However, in previous years we have shown spells of how well we can challenge for promotion.

“Behind the scenes at the club there are exciting times, with the youth section getting ever closer to establishing a clear route to the adult teams and we are looking to establish an under 21 team for the forthcoming season. There are also plans to improve the playing facilities.”

Although Johnson is standing down, he is prepared to work with the new incumbent during the close season if required.

He said: “This voluntary role is a challenge, meeting the requirements of the Midland Football League and ensuring we attract the right standard of player.

“We are lucky we have some good people within the club who help to make the role a little easier.

“I’ll do everything I can to help the new management team bed in. It is important that there is a team coming in as it is quite a lot to take on for one person.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of driving this club forward and it is with regret that I have to leave. We have a strong base of committed players which the new management team will be fortunate to inherit.”

Anyone interested in the role can email Barton’s chairman Geoff Millington.