Athersley Recreation are inviting applications for the Toolstation NCEL Division One side's vacant managerial post.

The Penguins parted company with first team manager Jimmy Whitehead at the weekend.

The remaining backroom staff, comprising of assistant boss Dean Shirt and coaches Kevan Locke and Luke Smith, were invited to stay.

But, according to the statement released by the club on Sunday morning, the trio have also decided to leave as "they worked together as a team, therefore felt it only right to leave as a team."

The statement continued: "The club respects the decision of Jimmy's backroom staff and fully appreciate their reasoning.

"The club would like to place on record their thanks and appreciation to all four for having the guts and determination to take on such a difficult task of managing a team at NCEL level without a workable budget, doing their upmost in such challenging circumstances.

"Not everyone would have put in all the time and effort that Jimmy and his backroom staff have for over two years with no remuneration whatsoever, which shows the type of character that all four men possess.

"The club wish Jimmy, Dean, Kevan and Luke all their very best wishes moving forward."

The search has begun straight away for a new boss with the Rec's general manager Peter Goodlad saying: "Please be aware the club cannot afford any budget so it will be a tough job.

"But, we have a great bunch of players plus a good development squad and junior section to support.

"As we intend to announce a manager in by Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning by the latest, we ask interested parties to email, text, or ring me to put your name forward and also send a CV.

"We will then interview straight away."

Peter can be contacted either by phone on 07910 121070 or by email at petegoodlad@yahoo.co.uk.