Former Carlisle United winger Andy Welsh has become an early managerial casualty of the new non-league season.

He has left Bury FC after more than three years in charge.

Welsh had been at the helm of the club since 2020 after the phoenix club formed following the collapse of EFL club Bury FC.

He led AFC to promotion from the North West Counties Football League Division One in their first full season.

The club reverted to the name Bury FC after it merged with the existing club, and despite sitting fifth in the North West Counties Premier Division after 12 games, the Gigg Lane club have opted to make a change.

A statement said:

We can confirm that Bury Football Club and manager Andy Welsh have agreed to part company.

We would like to thank Andy for his hard work and commitment to the club, the players, and it’s volunteers over the past three and a half years.

Andy provided outstanding leadership throughout some difficult and turbulent times, not least during a global pandemic when just playing football was a challenge. In addition to winning a league title Andy quietly helped and supported many volunteers off the pitch when they needed it.

He more than earned the right to lead the team at Gigg Lane at the start of the season. We can’t speak highly enough about him as a person, and we know many will be extremely sad to see him go.

Unfortunately, we have decided now is the right time for a change and we wish Andy all the best for the future.

The under-23s management team of Leon Mike and Stephen Sheil will take charge on an interim basis, with the recruitment process to appoint a new manager to begin with immediate effect.

Bury sit seven points adrift of the league leaders - Cumbrian outfit Kendal Town.

Former Stockport County, Blackpool, Sunderland and Yeovil Town player Welsh was on Carlisle's books from 2011-13, making 38 appearances under Greg Abbott.

A former Blues trialist has also faced the axe in non-league, meanwhile.

Yan Klukowski, assistant manager of National League North's second bottom side Gloucester City, has left his role along with manager Tim Flowers.