Pritchard joined the Bears originally as assistant to Ian Street in May 2017 before taking the helm himself later that year.

He will be best remembered for his time in charge of Witton Albion.

Pritchard resigned as Witton manager in August 2014 only four games into a new season.

A record-holder for appearances made by a player at the Northwich club, he had switched to the dug-out three years earlier following a temporary spell sharing the job with Dave MacPherson.

He guided Albion to promotion from the Northern Premier League Division One North in his first campaign following a play-off final victory against Curzon Ashton.

They then finished fourth in the top-flight the following term, only to lose to FC United of Manchester in a play-off semi-final.

A statement from the club reads: "Congleton Town Football Club wishes to advise that Brian Pritchard has resigned as team manager.

“The club is very grateful for the commitment Brian has shown to the club and wishes him well in the future.

“The club has appointed Chris Rowley and Anthony Griffiths as joint managers who take up their new roles with immediate effect.’

The new bosses` first game in charge will be tomorrow when the Bears take on Maine Road in the Buildbase FA Vase.