Great to hear such strong backing for Bangor 1876 manager at a testing time

How refreshing to see an under-pressure manager receive the full backing of one of his club’s chief driving forces at the weekend.

Bangor 1876’s popular manager Michael Johnston looked demoralised and almost at a loss for words after his team’s devastating 6-1 defeat at Mold Alexandra on Saturday.

Perhaps expectedly, the team and management came in for some heavy criticism from fans after the result, which leaves 1876 still in danger of relegation from the Cymru North.

However, Bangor City Stadium co-chairman Nick Pritchard leapt to the defence of Johnston on social media after the game.

Mr Pritchard said supporters should remember the great work done by Johnston, better known as Johnno, and his management team to get the fan-owned club to the stage they are.

Formed in 2019-20, Bangor 1876 began life in tier 5, but rose to the second-tier Cymru North on the back of three successive promotions.

In their debut season in the CN, Bangor finished a magnificent fifth.

It is only this season – mainly the latter part – that has seen a downturn in fortunes for 1876 after a meteoric rise.

With Llay Welfare and Prestatyn Town already down, the third relegation spot is between Caersws, Bangor 1876 and Ruthin Town.

Caersws are 12th with 31 points from 28 games (goal difference -8), Bangor sit 13th with 28 from 28 (GD – 16) and Ruthin lie 14th with 25 from 28 (-20). Two fixtures each left.

Bangor’s final two fixtures are the stuff of Hollywood scripts: Caersws home on April 5 and Ruthin away on April 19.

So 1876’s destiny is still in their hands.

Caersws also still have to play Airbus at home (Apr 12), while Ruthin’s other game is away to Buckley on Friday, April 4.

Bangor’s recent form has dropped them into the mire with six straight defeats – how a quick turnaround in results would help them now.

It should also not be forgotten that Johnno has led 1876 to their first cup final since 2021-22 – the Welsh Blood Service League Cup northern section showpiece game against Airbus on April 18.

By then, 1876 will know their league fate.

Michael Johnston has done a fantastic job at Bangor. He is a Citizen through and through, having been such a huge part of past successes with the former Bangor City – three Welsh Cups, champion of the Welsh Premier and numerous European appearances.

He has been with 1876 from the start, as a player and now a manager. Johnno cares deeply about the club and what happened at the weekend will have hurt him more than anyone.

Hopefully, everyone will get behind him for the three big games ahead. He most certainly has not become a bad manager overnight, luck has not smiled on the squad of late.

Nick Pritchard is the entrepreneur who finances Bangor City Stadium, which recently formed a partnership agreement with 1876 aimed at building a bright future at Nantporth.

Nick wants the best for Bangor football and his encouraging words for Johnno this weekend were a tonic.

It’s what a manager wants to hear when things are tough. To be told you will remain an important part of the future and how valued you are is uplifting and positive.