End Of An Era

And what better man to do it than the man behind Vauxhall's rise through the Pyramid Leagues. Alvin applied for the managerial post at Wincham Park in the Summer, and although he impressed the board with his non-league knowledge, they decided to appoint Steve Davis.

Alvin took over at Rivacre Park five years ago, and has lifted the club through the lower leagues, the news he has left will no doubt rock the club.

McDonald's last home game was also his opposing managers last match, Mike Walsh left Southport after the FA Cup loss. Alvin was cheered and clapped off the field last Saturday, with fans unaware of the fact that was their chance to say good bye to the clubs greatest manager.

Alvin joined in the Summer of 1998 and within 3 years won NWTL 1st Divsion and got Vauxhall promoted from the UniBond First Division at the first attempt and more amazingly finishing second in the UniBond Premier Division in the first season behind Burton Albion. Last year he caught the imagination of the country when they defeated QPR at Loftus Road on penalties, before bowing out to Macclesfield at Moss Rose.

Alvin starts his new job on Saturday as Vics host Accrington Stanley, on the same day Vauxhall travel to Worksop Town. Paul Rowlands will take charge for the short term, Rowlands has been helping out with the reserves.

Alvin was pushed towards leaving when he felt the club had no support and famously claiming, "I've taken the club as far as I can!", aswell as the chance of Conference football albeit for eight months unless Alvin can turn it around.

Alvin has publicy said of his decision to take up Vics' offer, ""Vauxhall have been a big part of my football life and I have very happy memories and have a lot of good friends there.

"I have had five great years there and I didn't particularly want to leave, but this is a great chance for me to manage at the highest level in non-league. I'm 53 now and it was a challenge I couldn't turn down. It is a challenge which doesn't come any harder, but if I hadn't made the move now I may have ended up regretting it."

Alvin has built the foundations of a great club in his five years here, with the main bulk of the FA Cup squad still playing, and with vauxhallmotors.tk having a record high, it proves there is a strong squad and a stable fan base in which the next manager can build from.

www.vauxhallmotors.tk wish Alvin all the best, and thank him for interviews and keeping us posted on club developments.