Michael Johnston has been appointed as the new manager of Halewood Apollo, a club competing at Step 6 of the English football pyramid. Johnston, 38, took on the role following his departure from Bangor 1876, where he had served as joint manager since February 2022.

Johnston’s involvement with Bangor City spanned nearly two decades, beginning as a player before moving into management. Over his time at the Welsh club, he made more than 250 appearances and contributed to winning a Premier League title and a Welsh Cup. He stepped down from his four-year managerial tenure at Bangor City last month, shortly after a 2-1 victory over Cymru North leaders Brickfield Rangers, citing family and work commitments as reasons for his departure. This marked the end of an era following the club’s withdrawal from the league in 2022.

After his time with Bangor City, Johnston joined the newly formed Bangor 1876 as joint manager alongside Mel Jones. He left the club last month before taking over at Halewood Apollo, a Merseyside-based club. Apollo was founded in 2014 by chairman Joseph Stocks, who has overseen the team’s rise from the Warrington and District League to Step 6, achieving five promotions. The club finished fifth in the Liverpool County Premier League last season.

Johnston replaces Stocks in the managerial position. Halewood Apollo issued a statement acknowledging Johnston’s longstanding connection to Bangor and expressed appreciation for him taking on the new challenge. The club described his appointment as a significant step and a reflection of their ambitions moving forward.