WALKING away from Alfreton Town was the hardest decision of Nicky Law’s life as he prepares to say a final and emotional goodbye next week.
The 55-year-old, who was appointed just under ten years ago, is one of the longest-serving managers in the Non-League game.
Law broke records at the Impact Arena, but after months of soul searching has announced he is calling time on a decade at the helm of the National League North club.
Accepting an offer to become Premier League Burnley’s Head of Recruitment for 17-23-year-olds, he will be working closely with manager Sean Dyche as Turf Moor’s top talent spotter.
Law will miss managerial life but has promised to stay on until this weekend to make sure the transition is a smooth one.
His final home game will be Saturday’s trip to Gainsborough Trinity as Law ensures his assistant Russ O’Neill, who is taking over until the end of the season, gets all the help he needs.
Law told The NLP: “It’s fair to say this has been the most difficult decision I have had to make, no doubt about it. I’m 55 now. I’m at the stage of my life where I have to start looking at things – as you get older, you tend to look a bit harder at situations and the choices you make.
“This could be a job for me with some real longevity. As much as I love management, it’s hardly the most stable of environments.
“That said I consider some of my colleagues friends and I’ve been stunned by the number of messages I have received and sometimes surprised by who has got in touch. I’ve had some disagreements with people over the years, but they’ve still taken the time to wish me well.
“My phone has gone crazy and I get the feeling I will be missed. Not by referees though, perhaps!”
