Thackley will be under new stewardship next term following the departure of Dave Morgan, although his number two Graham Clifford could still be involved.

Morgan met with the club’s hierarchy soon after the end of the Kool Sport Northern Counties East League season and informed them of his decision to leave.

The Dennyboys then issued a statement saying they had reluctantly accepted his resignation and thanking him for his hard work and commitment in the two seasons he had been in charge.

Spokesman and secretary Mick Lodge said: “Dave had told us that his work situation had changed recently and was keeping us up to date with developments but things took a sudden twist and that led to him asking to go.

“So even though we knew there would be some changes, it still came as a bit of a shock. That’s why our statement referred to us having time to think.

“Dave picked his time well. He saw us through the season and then made his decision nice and early to give us time to sort things out and give the next manager a full pre-season.”

Clifford was on the shortlist before Thackley initially appointed Morgan but said he did not want the full-time position because of his own work commitments and has made it clear that he still does not want the top job.

But he has said that if another manager comes in he will work with him – in any capacity, not just as assistant – or stand back.

“Graham will just revert to being a member of the club and still be a volunteer should a new man come in with his own team,” said Lodge.

“We have had a second committee meeting since the news broke and we still decided not to invite applications for the job.

“It was decided to see what the news flushed out and we have already had people sending in CVs and numerous phone calls enquiring about the situation.

“It is time to just sit tight, take stock and be sure we make the right choice of who replaces Dave. It is a big responsibility and we have to get it right for the future of the club.”