Nantwich Town boss Phil Parkinson has left the club to join fellow Evo-Stik Premier Division side Altrincham.
The move comes less than 72 hours after Nantwich narrowly lost out in the Evo-Stik play offs against Spennymoor.
Altrincham, known as The Robins, have been relegated from Conference North and will play in the same tier at the Dabbers in 2017-18.
They decided not to extend the interim spell of Matt Doughty, and have been seeking a replacement manager.
Parkinson was approached by Altrincham and has elected to take up their offer to become manager.
Nantwich assistant manager Neil Sorvel is also leaving to join Parkinson in the same role at Altrincham.
A Nantwich Town spokesman said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Phil for the tireless work he has put in over the two and a half years he has been manager with the Dabbers.
“He has helped turn the club into a promotion contender in a very short space of time, guiding us to our highest position in eight years, not to mention making it to the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, the final of the Cheshire Senior Club final and the Semi-Finals of the FA Trophy.
“We wish him all the best in his new role with the Robins.”
Nantwich fans were shocked at the news, though, after Parkinson led the team to finish fifth place in the Evo-Stik League.
One said on Twitter that Parkinson applied for the job rather than being approached by Altrincham.
Another added: “It’s a shock considering how well this season has gone.”
And a third said: “Big blow to Nantwich. Such a great manager and thought he would have taken them up next season if he had stayed.”
Can’t beat a bit of loyalty in football these days!!!