Copied from the Guardian’s website this evening…
Vince has another job lined up?
JIM Vince is set for a sensational return to management - six months earlier than he promised.
The former Witton boss will be unveiled as boss by his new club this week, according to one of Albion’s UniBond Premier Division rivals.
Ashton United boss Danny Johnson dropped the bombshell today.
“I understand Jim now feels up to managing again,” he said.
“He is a nice fella and an excellent football manager and the sooner people like him return to the game the better.”
Witton fans will be stunned to hear of Vince’s swift recovery.
He walked of Wincham Park for the second time just 28 days ago, telling the club he needed to concentrate on his health after an operation on his right ankle left him facing a six-month recovery period.
The 40-year-old agreed to return to the club after initially quitting following their play off semi final defeat against Buxton - their second such exit from the promotion race in successive seasons during his tenure.
Acting chairman Mark Harris was so keen to retain Vince’s services that he was prepared to grant sick leave until he felt ready to resume duty pitchside.
Vince declined.
He has since asked the press not to contact him while he recovers at home, a brief statement his released through Harris his parting shot.
It read: “I’m always here to help in any way I can.”
He was more forthcoming when he walked out for the first time, hours after John Reed’s Bucks had sunk Witton on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Pushed by the Guardian on what lay ahead, his answer was clear.
“I’m going to relax and not think about football for a little while,” he said.
"I’ve been professional in my approach and you won’t see me bounce straight into another job. That doesn’t mean my future is not in football but we’ll have to wait and see.
“One thing is for sure, I’d love to join those supporters behind the goal to watch a Witton match next season.”
Johnson was alerted to Vince’s intentions when the ex-Albion boss tried rang Ian Kearney to offer him a deal minutes after the defender had signed forms at Hurst Cross.
Kearney asked his new employers for permission to chat with Vince, whose interest cooled when he heard the former Radcliffe Borough stopper had already signed Johnson’s contract.
“Jim has assured me he was unaware Ian agreed to play for us,” added Johnson.
“It was a difficult situation and I don’t blame Ian for wanting to hear what Jim had to say.”
7:15pm today
