Lancaster City assistant manager expects boss Mark Fell to return soon

The former Burnley and Preston North End striker is in caretaker charge of first-team affairs at the Giant Axe after Fell stood down temporarily last week on health grounds.

The Dolly Blues boss’ absence is only expected to be for a matter of weeks and Lancashire revealed he is champing at the bit to return.

“We are not sure at the moment when Mark will return,” said Lancashire.

“We are just taking it day by day – it’s not going to be too long I don’t think.

“You know what he’s like – he’s champing at the bit to get back.”

City have enjoyed a fine season so far under Fell – they currently sit in second spot in the NPL Premier Division.

The players may have been slightly affected by the upheavel of losing their manager on Saturday when they trailed 2-0 to FC United of Manchester at Broadhurst Park.

However, a stirring second half fightback brought them level until a stoppage time winner saw them return home empty-handed.

That was their first league defeat since the 3-2 loss to Nantwich at the end of September.

City quickly dusted themselves down tto progress in the LFA Challenge Trophy when they got the better of Radcliffe 2-1 on Tuesday night.

“The players have been good,” added Lancashire. “They are very professional.

“We told them about the manager last week and they had a little chat amongst themslves.

“It is what it is. There’s no real change – it’s as you were. Everything stays the same.

“It has been a busy week. Obviously we were disappointed to lose at FC United.

“The start we made to the game was emabarrassing – we were an absolute shambles for five minutes.

“But after that we grew into the game and fought back in the second half. I thought we were the better team. We fought so hard, so to throw it away in stoppage time was gut-wrenching.

“We have been on a great run in the league and we knew it was going to come to an end at some point. It was great that we bounced back on Tuesday, especially in the cup.

“We felt playing Radcliffe was the toughest one of the round.

“We played them not that long ago so we knew it was going to be a tough game, especially as we had three players Matty Blinkhorn (work), Rob Wilson (illness) and Glenn Steel (head injury) missing.”

Those three players are expected to return for this weekend’s trip to lowly Buxton. One player who won’t be in the squad is loan star Jack Armer, who was recalled by parent club Preston at the weekend.

He was on the bench for PNE’s Championship clash with West Bromwich Albion Monday night.

“I think Jack has grown as a person and a player – he’s matured on and off the pitch,” said Lancashire, who has signed Jack Evans on loan from Blackburn.

“PNE have watched him a lot this season and they obviously rate him highly. He’s been great for us and we wish him well.”