Athersley Recreation are inviting applications to become their next manager after the resignation of Luke Potter and his assistant Rob Tonks earlier in the week due to work commitments.

Following a very long emergency board meeting on Monday, the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side's secretary Pete Goodlad released a statement that included news that first team coach Kevan Locke will be staying.

It continued: "The post of manager will be advertised immediately to give us time to put things in motion and to be ready for pre-season and the new season which will be upon us in no time.

"Last season, the club in its wisdom decided to have a player budget and it comes with financial implications, especially to a club who have ran for forty years with great success and a great family feeling.

"We have a well-run club and a great bunch of volunteers of whom many clubs would give their right arm, the ground is well maintained and kept at a good standard, and, although we have never been able to compete financially with other clubs, the Athersley spirit has always seen us through.

"The board have decided to go back to the old Athersley values of focussing on home grown talent, team spirit, comradery, and being a family club.

"Next season, we will go back to a win bonus where players have an incentive and have to earn it not just expect it.

"We know football has changed and has seen big budgets and players earning silly money so this may come at a cost but if we lose players through it or, God forbid, we get relegated then so be it and we build again.

"We need the help of everybody including the community and ex-players, supporters, sponsors and new volunteers.

"Myself and [vice president] Alan [Richardson] have built and invested in this club for over forty years and want it to be here for the next forty years but we are realistic where the club is financially and where our level is.

"I realise this may put some people off from applying for the post but we want someone for the right reasons.

"Next season, we want to have a reserve side again and will be having an under 19s so that the progression is in place.

"If, after reading this, you would still like to apply for the manager's post, please send your CV to petegoodlad@yahoo.co.uk.

"Closing date is Friday 17th May 2019 at 5pm."