Champions face search for another manager following double exit

The United Counties League champions are once more looking for a new manager following the resignations of Arron Parkinson and Andy Marks.

The duo guided Daventry Town to the division one title and promotion back to the premier division at the first attempt. But, following a recent meeting with club officials, Parkinson and Marks have called it a day.

Both decided to step down last week but Parkinson had further talks with the club on Tuesday before deciding to stick with his original decision yesterday (Wednesday).

Parkinson said: “I decided to step down last Thursday after the playing budget for next season wasn’t agreed. After that the club came back to me and assured me the budget was there for the coming season.

“Unfortunately I don’t feel the budget is enough for me to do the job. I went back to the club and asked for a staff budget to run alongside the playing budget which they couldn’t do and I fully understand that, so that was the reason I decided to go.

“The club is rebuilding off the pitch and I totally understand and accept the decision. Myself and Andy [Marks] asked for a reserves and under-18s to be up and running for this season but neither is in place.

“With the increased travelling and step 5 football, I felt it would be a very hard job to keep a competitive squad together over a season. I would just like to thank everybody at the club for being very welcoming towards myself and my family, it is with a heavy heart that I stand down.

“I would just like to go on record with my thanks to chairman Steve Tubbs and secretary Brian Porter who worked tirelessly on behalf of myself, staff and players. Their efforts and support have been first class.”