‘It was the only job I would have left Radcliffe for’ – Bury boss reflects on first month without managerial partner
Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley had managed together for 17 years, and parted ways in early February for the first time in their careers.
They had been at Radcliffe Borough since 2023, until Johnson left to join the Shakers – his boyhood club.
Morley, however, chose to stay at Borough and continue their push for promotion from the National League North.
Johnson, also known as “Jonno”, said that the pair splitting has not impacted their personal relationship.
He explained: “He’s my best mate, and it was a really tough decision.
“The conversation between me and Bernard was that I had to take the Bury job now – he understood that, and gave me his blessing to go for it. It was the only job I would have left Radcliffe for.
“But from a social and talking point of view, I still talk to him most days – me leaving was never personal.
“Our relationship was never going to change – it was never going to be broken.”
Although there is no strain on their personal relationship, Johnson described his transition into solo managing as a weird process.
He said: “The fact Bernard has had a continuation of the good results we were getting and I’ve had a good start has made things a little bit easier.
“It’s been a really weird set up to be honest.
“And it’s just something I’m going to have to get used to.”
Despite the change in surroundings, Bury have got off to a flying start since Johnson took the reins.
They won all four of their first matches without conceding a goal.
These victories also helped Bury gain top spot in the Northern Premier League West.
The life-long Shakers supporter won the manager of the month award for February, and described his first month in charge as a dream come true.
“I dropped two leagues to come to Bury, so I think everyone knew they were getting a manager that was qualified enough,” said experienced boss Johnson.
“The reception from the fans has been off the charts. I never dreamed in a million years it would be as good as it has been.
“It’s what dreams are made of. I’m just a supporter of Bury football club like everyone else, we’re all aligned with it.”
The North West club are desperate to achieve their goal of getting back into the football league, which they were liquidated from in August 2019.
With Jonno at the helm, the future is looking bright for the Shakers’ faithful.
Bury FC’s first five matches under Anthony Johnson
- Wythenshawe Town 0-1 Bury FC – February 14
- Shifnal Town 0-2 Bury FC – February 18
- Bury FC 2-0 Sporting Khalsa – February 21
- Lower Breck 0-3 Bury FC – February 27
- Bury FC 0-2 Vauxhall Motors – March 7
