MANAGER Paul Carden and assistant Mark Beesley have committed their futures to Warrington Town.

The pair have both signed new two-year deals at Cantilever Park, which run to the end of the 2022-23 season.

Carden took charge in October 2016 and has reached the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs in both of his completed seasons at the helm.

Yellows won their divisional play-off in the 2018-19 campaign thanks to a memorable win at South Shields, only to lose a one-off "super play-off" to miss out on promotion to the National League North.

Like almost every football club, the Covid-19 pandemic has put a serious strain on Town's financial resources, with the past two seasons being cut short.

Despite that, Carden is of the firm belief that Yellows can once again build a squad capable of challenging for promotion again.

"We're delighted to extend our time at Warrington and really looking forward to continuing what we have been building here since we arrived," he said.

"The last two seasons have been frustrating for everyone - it’s hard to believe that we are the last team to win the league play-off final and it was two years ago.

"The pandemic has caused all sorts of problems for everyone and what Toby (Macormac, club chairman) and Lisa have gone through in the last 12 months, it’s credit to them that we still have a club and a team that we will strive to move forward together like we have done from the first day.

"Like always, the league will be relentless and the more investment that clubs have continues to make it a tough division as many teams will fancy their chances of promotion- we are no different!

"Promotion is always our aim and we will be adding players to the squad to improve us and hopefully make that next step."

Warrington Guardian:

Paul Carden and Mark Beesley on the Cantilever Park touchline. Picture by John Hopkins

Beesley added: "I am delighted to extend my time at the club - it is important that we have a good pre-season and build on what we have achieved so far at this club over the past few seasons.

"The last three seasons have been frustrating - winning the play offs and not being promoted alongside the pandemic.

"We are determined to put this right and have a successful season next year.

The league has got stronger each season and we can’t wait to get going again."

The Northern Premier League season is currently scheduled to get underway on Saturday, August 14.

Yellows were fourth in the table when the 2020-21 season was curtailed amid continuing restrictions.

Macormac reiterated how challenging the coming campaign will be but insisted the team will be "as competitive as they can be."

"I am really pleased that Paul and Mark have extended their stay at the club, which for me underlines their unwavering belief in what we are trying to achieve," he said.

"In completed full seasons as a pairing, we have never finished outside of the play-offs and whilst we face a tough season ahead I’m sure we’ll be as competitive as we can.

"We’ll need everyone’s support next season as the journey continues - one that I’m pleased Paul and Mark are a part of."