AFC Emley manager Darren Bland has been rocked by the resignation of his assistant manager John Hayden who has stepped down due to work commitments.

Bland, however, has moved quickly to fill his role with another Darren - the current reserve team manager Darren Hepworth who steps up after winning promotion and the League Cup for the second string in his first season at the club.

The manager commented: "I'm sad to see 'Irish' leave as we go a long way back and have formed a decent partnership.

"At the same time, I'm absolutely delighted that Daz has agreed to make the step up to the first team.

"He has been supportive of me from day one at the club and has the full respect of all of the players."

Club Chairman Graham Roys added: "On behalf of everyone at the club we thank 'Irish' for all of his hard work whilst at the club and wish him all the best for the future."