Both Ben and Anthony have been key members of the First Team squad and played important roles in the club's Cheshire Football League Two title-winning and promotion campaign during the 2025/26 season.

Having represented Newton-le-Willows FC for a combined 15 years, both Ben and Anthony have played an important role in the club's development on and off the pitch. Their long-standing commitment to the club has given them a deep understanding of its culture, values and ambitions.

As two of the club's senior players, they have earned the respect of teammates, staff and supporters alike through their commitment, leadership and dedication to Newton-le-Willows FC.

Their appointment reflects the club's commitment to recognising and rewarding individuals from within its own ranks. As a club that values development, continuity and opportunity, Newton-le-Willows FC is proud to promote from within and provide a pathway for those who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the club and its future.

Both Ben and Anthony will continue as players while jointly assuming responsibility for the management of the First Team, building upon the strong foundations established in recent years.

On the appointment, Chairman, Andrew Tither said:

"On behalf of everyone at Newton-le-Willows FC, I would like to congratulate Ben and Anthony on their appointment as our new First Team Player-Managers.

This is a proud moment for the club. Both Ben and Anthony have been outstanding servants to Newton-le-Willows FC over a number of years and have played a significant role in the progress and success we have enjoyed, most recently in securing the Cheshire Football League Two title and promotion.

Having a succession plan in place was important, and it is worth noting that conversations around the future management of the First Team have been ongoing for around 12 months, when Daniel first began considering stepping back from the role. Throughout that period, Ben and Anthony emerged as the obvious candidates because they understand what this football club stands for.

Their commitment, professionalism and leadership have been evident both on and off the pitch, and they have earned the respect of players, volunteers, supporters and everyone associated with the club.

Throughout the recruitment process, it became clear that Ben and Anthony share a genuine passion for continuing the development of the First Team and building upon the strong foundations that have been established.

They have a clear vision for the future and a determination to help the club continue moving forward.

As a club, we firmly believe in creating opportunities for people who have shown dedication and loyalty to Newton-le-Willows FC. Promoting from within is something we are proud of, and Ben and Anthony's appointments are a reflection of that philosophy.

I have every confidence that they will embrace this challenge with the same enthusiasm and commitment they have shown throughout their time at the club. They will have the full backing of the Trustees, volunteers and supporters as they begin this exciting new chapter.

I would like to wish Ben and Anthony every success in their new roles, and I look forward to seeing them lead the team into the 2026/27 season and beyond."

In a joint statement from Ben Crowe and Anthony Plant, they said:

"We are both delighted to be given the opportunity to take on the role of First Team Player-Managers at Newton-le-Willows FC.

We would like to thank the club for placing its trust in us, and also extend our thanks to Faz and Ant for all their hard work, commitment and the foundations they have helped build to this point.

Newton is a fantastic club with a great group of players and dedicated people working hard behind the scenes, and we are grateful for the chance to be part of its next chapter.

We are excited for the challenge ahead and look forward to working with the players, committee, volunteers and supporters as we continue to move the club forward together.

We can't wait to get started and will give everything we have for Newton.

Up the Newton!"

Preparations for the 2026/27 season are already underway, and the club is excited to support Ben and Anthony as they begin this new chapter.

Everyone at Newton-le-Willows FC would like to congratulate Ben and Anthony on their appointments and wish them every success in their new roles as part of the Newton-le-Willows FC family.