John Francis has taken over at Albion Sports from Kully Sandhu who managed the club for more than 34 years

Kully Sandhu has stepped down as Albion Sports manager after more than 34 years in the dugout, with former Burnley striker John Francis taking the helm.

Sandhu was one of the longest-serving football managers in the entire world having overseen Albion’s progression right from the very beginning. He turned them into one of the top Sunday League sides in the country before guiding through their transition from Sunday to Saturday football.

He steered them to the Toolstation NCEL Division One in 2013 and has kept them in the Premier Division without any trouble ever since.

But by his own admission, it has been harder to attract players and that’s one of the key reasons behind his decision to stand aside. Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, Sandu has not ruled out managing again in the future.

Francis, well known in local football circles, played for Farsley Celtic, Bradford (Park Avenue) and Harrogate Town during his playing days. He has coached at Leeds United’s academy and also managed Ossett Town under 21s for a few years.

