Lancaster City boss pledges commitment to club until 2027/28 campaign

Lancaster City FC have secured the services of their manager after extending his contract to the 2027/28 season.

Jimmy Marshall, who took charge of his hometown club in April last year, has signed a new two-year deal at The Giant Axe, along with his management team, assistant Gavin Clark and coach Lee Marshall.

The Lancaster City boss has worked his way up the non-league ladder with his former clubs including Caton United, Milnthorpe Corinthians and Kendal Town.

In a statement, the club’s board of directors said: “The Board would like to place on record its appreciation for the dedication shown by Jimmy and his staff. Their willingness to work within the club’s financial framework while continuing to push for progress on the pitch has earned them the full respect and backing of everyone associated with Lancaster City.

“The Directors believe that stability and continuity are vital for the club’s long-term development. Securing a two-year commitment from the current management team provides an important foundation as the club continues to build for the future.

“Supporters have also played a significant role during this period, and the Board recognises the strong relationship that has developed between the management team and the fanbase.

“The passion and backing from the terraces at the Giant Axe continue to drive the club forward, and the management team share that same commitment to representing the city with pride.”

Marshall helped City steer themselves clear of relegation from the NPL Premier Division upon his arrival at the end of the 2024/25 season and they started this campaign in fine form.

The Dolly Blues sat top of the league for a number of weeks over the autumn, enjoying an 11-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Marshall was subsequently voted NPL Premier Division Manager of the Month for September.

After a dip in form over the winter, they now find themselves seventh, two points behind the playoff places, after a 3-1 win at Whitby Town.

Lancaster City’s squad includes North End academy graduate Aaron Bennett who has been with the Dolly Blues since 2024, as well as current academy players Ed Nolan and Jonny Brindle, who joined on initial short-term loan deals in February.

Next month, the club will look to win their first piece of silverware since 2021 when they compete in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final at Leyland’s County Ground.

That last piece of silverware was in the same competition, after they defeated Prestwich Heys 6-1 in the 2019/20 final, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their place in the final was confirmed earlier this month after a convincing 3-0 win over NPL Division One West outfit Clitheroe, who had enjoyed an impressive FA Trophy run earlier in the year.

They made it to the fourth proper of the competition, at which point they were defeated by Scunthorpe United, but not before triumphing over National League high-flyers York City on penalties in the third round.

The Dolly Blues have also seen off Ashton Athletic and Wythenshawe, and will now face North West Counties Premier Division side Padiham in the final on April 15.

‘The Storks’ beat Fulwood Amateurs 1-0 in the second semi-final last week, having previously defeated Longridge Town and Prestwich Heys in earlier rounds.