Penistone Church have unveiled a new management team just hours after the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side had announced they had accepted the resignation of first team boss Ian Richards.

A busy Thursday began with the club tweeting the shock news of Richards' departure saying: "When the dust has settled, there is no doubt we'll have more to say and add on Ian's tremendous spell at the helm of our club.

"For now, we thank Ian for all he's done and we wish him the very best of luck in the future."

It was then announced by neighbours Stocksbridge Park Steels that Richards had rejoined his former club to become boss at the Pitching In Northern Premier League side with Andrew Ring also making a return from Penistone to be his assistant.

However, there was no acrimony with the move, with Church wishing Richards "all the very best in his new role" whilst paying tribute to Ring who had been the club's top scorer over the past seven seasons.

They then moved quickly to announce that Brett Lovell, who has played over 250 games for the club, had accepted the offer to become player-manager with Stephen Lenthall his assistant and Ryan Johnson becoming first team coach.

A statement read: "To anyone at the club and wider afield, Brett won’t need too many introductions.

"We know he will have been torn with today’s changes, but the lure of stepping into the hot seat and his first managerial appointment at Penistone Church was an offer he has taken with relish.

"Brett has played some 260 games for Penistone scoring 54 goals and, in time, will balance any playing time whilst giving 100% focus to being our manager.

"Again, we will share more news in the coming days as the dust settles on a very busy twelve hours or so, but for now we wish Brett, Lenny and Ryan the very best of luck as all attention now turns to our FA Vase game [at Bacup Borough] on Saturday."