Having advertised the vacancy, the club was pleased to receive in excess of thirty applications, many of which were extremely creditable.

However, once Goddard initiated discussions for returning to the role, he became the clear favourite.

With his track record of achievements before and during his time as Alport manager, the club felt it was an opportunity not to be missed.

Goddard stepped down as joint manager in December 2019 after three-and-a-half years in charge.

Goddard guided Alport to their first Shropshire Senior Cup triumph in their 73-year history by beating Shrewsbury Town at Montgomery Waters Meadow in September to add to a fine trophy haul.

Co-chairman Tony Rogers told https://www.whitchurchalport.com: “Having worked closely with Luke in our roles as co-chairs, his passion and drive for all things Alport shines through as strongly as ever. Finally, and of great importance, our fans, I know, will be delighted to see Luke back in the hot seat.

“We wish Luke every success in his return to management."

Goddard added on returning to the Yockings Park dug-out: “Firstly, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to manage this great football team again, in what will be a new start and journey once we are allowed to return.

“The past six months have been very difficult, but off the field the club is in its strongest position since I joined as manager originally four years ago.

“After numerous discussions with Tony, I couldn’t not be attracted to returning as manager and help the club push forward out of this current pandemic and unearth more potential.

“It is in agreement that I will solely manage the first team and with that I shall relinquish all of my other roles at the club over the next few weeks. This is to ensure that my complete focus is on the pitch just as it was when I first joined”.