KNUTSFORD’S next manager will not be expected to match the record-breaking feat of Scott Dignan, who stepped down last week.

He delivered a historic double, consisting of the Cheshire League’s Premier Division title and the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup, during his final season in charge.

“His replacement won’t be expected to keep winning trophies at that rate!” said chairman Jimmy Evans.

“Silverware isn’t the top of a list of things we ask for; staying faithful to our ethos, and respecting how our supporters like to see football played, is higher.”

Reds will now advertise a vacancy.

Paul Riley, who assisted Dignan last term along with coach David Schofield, is expected to be a candidate.

Evans told the Guardian that he hopes to have a new man in place by the end of this month before the players return for pre-season.

He added: “The boys are due back on July 3, and we play a first friendly a fortnight later.

“That’s the time-frame we’re looking at.

“Our hope is to retain a majority of the players from this season, although of course whoever takes the job will want to bring in one or two signings of their own and that’s normal.”

Dignan was appointed in 2014 and guided Reds, a lowly sixth the previous season, to second spot – coincidentally to a Linotype side managed by Riley – in his debut campaign.

Knutsford went one better the following year, and narrowly missed out on a double after losing on penalties to Whaley Bridge in the JB Parker Challenge Cup final.

Reds avenged that defeat when they hammered the same opponents in the Memorial Cup at the start of the next season, but Dignan’s old club took the main prize.

He invited Riley to join him at Manchester Road, bringing Linotype stalwarts Phil Yuille, Nehru McKenzie and Joe Hare along too, and together they led Knutsford to unprecedented success.

“I feel sad,” said Evans.

“That was the word that came to mind when Scott first told me of his decision, and it’s still the right one.

“He’s a winner, pure and simple.

“But he’s a family man too, and it’s perfectly understandable he wants to spend more time with them.

“He’s been a brilliant ambassador for our club, representing us with class and professionalism.”

Knutsford have confirmed that one of their summer friendlies will be against neighbours 1874 Northwich, from the North West Counties League, on Tuesday, July 17.