Karl Rose resigns as manager of Frickley Athletic

KARL ROSE has resigned as manager of Frickley Athletic after guiding the club to their best finish in a decade last season.

Frickley finished an impressive seventh last term in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier but after losing a number of players, Rose’s side started this season slowly.

The poor run, which left Athletic bottom of the table after losing their opening five league games, led to Rose standing down after Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat to Mickleover Sports.

Lee Stratford and James Dudgeon, part of Rose’s management team, also followed the manager through the exit door.

John Hood and Mick Thompson took charge of the team for the Bank Holiday Monday game at Whitby, which they lost 4-0 to leave the club still searching for their first point of the campaign.

Chairman Gareth Dando said: “We’re all disappointed by Karl’s decision to leave the club but understand why he made it. He’s been a pleasure to work alongside for the last four years and I can’t remember a crossed word with him in that time.

“He’s been a very good fit for Frickley and whilst there have been ups and downs he’s certainly exceeded what has been expected of him. Last season gave all our supporters some great memories and Karl, his family and friends will be welcome back up the Lane any time.

“We’d like to wish him all the best in the future. He’s left us with a nucleus of a good squad that’s out of form but I’m sure the situation can be turned round quickly”