Bangor City 1876 manager Michael Johnston has resigned from his position with immediate effect, following a 2-1 victory over Brickfield Rangers. The club confirmed the news, stating that Johnston's decision was due to increasing work and family commitments, which made it impossible for him to continue in the role. The team currently sits second in the Novira Cymru North table, with a record of four consecutive league wins. League standing: 11th in Premiership, 0 pts, 0W-0D-2L from 2 games, recent form LL. Goals this season: 0 scored, 5 conceded (-5 goal difference). Title race: 10 points behind leaders Coleraine FC. Next fixture: vs Glentoran (away, 2026-09-12) (2nd in the table).
What led to Michael Johnston's resignation?
Michael Johnston, affectionately known as 'Johno' by supporters, has been a central figure at Bangor City 1876 since arriving as a player in the summer of 2019. He became joint manager in February 2020 before taking sole charge of the first team in 2022. According to reports from Grassroots North Wales and The Bangor Aye, Johnston made the difficult decision to step away because he was no longer able to dedicate the time required to the role. The club expressed their understanding and respect for his decision, stating that he departs with their gratitude and best wishes.
Johnston's association with football in Bangor stretches back much further. He first arrived in the city from Liverpool in 2007, joining the former Bangor City on loan before making the move permanent. He remained with the club until 2015, captaining the side and becoming a firm favourite with supporters at both Farrar Road and Bangor City Stadium. As a player, he helped Bangor win the Welsh Premier League title in 2011 and lift the Welsh Cup on three occasions. When the supporter-founded Bangor 1876 was established in 2019, Johnston returned to help build a new chapter for football in the city.
What are Michael Johnston's achievements at Bangor City 1876?
During his time in charge, Johnston guided Bangor through several promotions, culminating in last season’s memorable treble-winning campaign and the club’s return to the Cymru North. According to Grassroots North Wales, Johnston won his first match as boss – a 2-1 victory over Penrhyndeudraeth in the North Wales Coast Premier Division – and his opening 10 games at the helm all ended in victories. At the end of that season, 1876 won the divisional cup and by finishing runners-up in the Premier earned promotion to Ardal North West.
Bangor were promoted again at the end of 2022-23 via a play-off win over Cefn Albion to reach the tier 2 Cymru North. After a solid debut campaign at the higher level, the second season was a catastrophe as a succession of losses saw the Citizens relegated on the final day of 2024-25. Last season was a revelation as Johnno led Bangor to a treble of Ardal North West title, FAW Amateur Trophy and Ardal League Cup. They also reached the Welsh Cup semi-finals, becoming only the second Tier 3 side in the competition’s long history to achieve that feat. Over the season, Bangor won 47 out of 51 matches, lost just twice and amassed 214 goals.
What is Michael Johnston's record as Bangor City 1876 manager?
Johnston departs with a fantastic win ratio record of nearly 70% from his 183 matches in sole charge. According to Grassroots North Wales, his record stands at 128 wins, 10 draws, and 45 losses, giving him a win ratio of 69.95%. This first campaign back in Cymru North began with a home defeat against Bala Town, who had just been relegated from the Cymru Premier, but the Citizens have since won four on the bounce to go second in the table.
Who will take charge of Bangor City 1876 in the interim?
Assistant manager Sean Eardley will take charge of the team for Monday’s game against Mold Alexandra and the fixtures immediately following it. The club has not yet announced a permanent replacement for Johnston, but Eardley will lead the team in the interim. Bangor City 1876's next fixture is against Glentoran on 2026-09-12, and fans will be eager to see how the team performs under Eardley's leadership.
