 He regained his first team place in April 1928 and went on to play a further 149 games before leaving Old Trafford in June 1932, joining Manchester North End as player-manager.He led North End to the final of the Cheshire County League Cup against Altrincham at the end of the 1932–33 season, a final in which he managed to play for both sides.The final finished in a 3–3 draw, but the replay was held over until the following season, by which time Steward had joined Altrincham as player-manager.