BANGOR City manager Craig Harrison has sensationally stepped down from his role on the eve of their JD Welsh Cup clash with Mold Alexandra.

The trophy-laden boss joined the Citizens in the summer following a disappointing spell at Hartlepool United, and he assembled a heavyweight squad with a view to achieving promotion back to the JD Welsh Premier League this term.

Things have not gone according to plan in the Huws Gray Alliance so far this season, and Harrison has decided to leave his post to fill the vacant first team coach role at top-flight leaders Connah’s Quay Nomads following Neil Gibson’s decision to return to management with Prestatyn Town.

A club spokesman, said: “Craig has left the club to take the vacant full-time position of First Team Coach at Connah's Quay Nomads.

“Harrison expressed to the Football Club this morning that he wanted to leave to pursue a full -time role.

“Compensation has been agreed between the two clubs and we wish Craig well in his new role.”

Director of Football Stephen Vaughan Junior will be taking charge of the first team until further notice, and he will be assisted by general manager Luke Purcell and experienced non-league boss Alan Lewer.

Vaughan Jnr, added: "It has come as a great surprise this morning that Craig wanted to leave the Football Club Our attention not turns to tomorrow's Welsh Cup match vs Mold Alexandra where we all need to pull together to ensure that we get through to the next round.”

Harrison leaves City in fifth position in the Huws Gray Alliance standings and 14 points behind runaway leaders Airbus Broughton.