Michael Duff leaves Cheltenham Town for Bolton Wanderers' new League One rivals

Cheltenham Town manager Michael Duff is leaving the club and is poised to take over at new League One side Barnsley.

Bolton Wanderers will be taking on both sides in the upcoming 2022/23 season in the third tier of English football. The Robins were promoted to League One along with the Whites last season from League Two.

The Tykes meanwhile were relegated from the Championship last season along with Derby County and Peterborough United. The Oakwell side have been without a permanent boss since the departure of Poya Asbaghi.

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However, the Robins have confirmed Duff has spoken to the club's board and expressed his wish to leave to 'pursue a fresh opportunity'. GloucestershireLive reports that Barnsley will be his destination.

Robins chairman David Bloxham said: "Obviously it’s a disappointing day for Cheltenham Town as Michael has done such a tremendous job for us but he leaves with our very best wishes for the future.

“Michael made it clear to us that it was a very difficult decision for him. We did all we could to try and keep him at the club but ultimately this new opportunity is one that he feels it right for him at this stage of his career.

“I know it would not have been an easy decision to arrive at because Michael has built up a very special bond with our club and his family all live locally so it will be a big wrench for him to leave but as an ambitious young manager, we completely respect his decision.

“The search for a new manager will begin immediately and we are fortunate in having a strong and very capable football staff who will continue preparations for the new season as normal. Our Director of Football Micky Moore