It
marks the end of a golden era at the club after his eight remarkable years and
347 competitive games in charge at Adie Moran Park.
When
he took the reins in November 2011 as player-manager, having previously served
as a player in the Adie Moran era, Heys were bottom of the Manchester League
Premier Division, with only five points to their name.
Ten
points adrift of safety with only fifteen games left it looked a big ask for
Heys to stay up, but a remarkable upturn in form saw them clinch safety.
From
his first game in charge, Lyons led from the front, scoring after only 5
minutes to set his side on the way to a 5-1 win at Manchester Gregorians. From
there on it was onwards and upwards.
Thereafter,
Heys improved year on year culminating in the treble winning 2015/16 season
that saw Heys win the Manchester League Premier Division, Gilgrsyt Cup and the
Bolton Hospital Cup on a memorable night at the Macron Stadium.
That
season also saw Heys achieve their long-held dream of a return to the North
West Counties League after a 23-year absence.
Heys
have continued to progress, winning their first ever semi-professional trophy
in lifting the North West Counties League Division One Cup, beating Cammell
Laird 2-1 in the final, in 2017.
The
club also returned to the National stage, competing in the FA Vase and
competing in the FA Cup after a 34-year absence, with their home tie with
Radcliffe FC streamed live by the BBC.
It
is not just on the pitch though that Lyons made an impact. He has been actively
involved in matters off the field too, whether it be in fundraising, working on
the pitch, helping in ground development and repairs and could also be seen
serving behind the bar.
Indeed,
there is not a corner of the club that Lyons has not touched.
Heys
chairman Neil Gilmore told https://www.prestwichheys.com: “Jon’s record and
achievements at the club are remarkable. He has worked tirelessly to improve
the club on and off the pitch and created memories that everyone will forever
treasure. We are sad and sorry he has decided to step down. What he has done
over the last eight years is exceptional. It has been a brilliant period in the
club’s history, and I speak for myself and on behalf of everyone at the club in
saying a big thank you to Jon for everything he has done”. |