Darren Hepworth has been reinstated as AFC Emley manager in an amazing turnaround by the Northern Counties East League club.
And in another twist to the Welfare Ground saga, chairman and secretary John Whitehead has resigned.
It was announced on Friday afternoon that the popular Hepworth had left the Huddersfield club by mutual consent after almost three years at the helm.
With development manager Joe Howson in caretaker charge, Emley went fourth in the NCEL First Division by winning 4-0 at Appleby Frodingham on Saturday.
However, experienced midfielder Paul Sykes said in the aftermath he intended to quit both the club and football in reaction to the Hepworth’s departure.
And Emley, who said the original decision was taken by Whitehead without the backing of his fellow officials, feared other players would leave.
Now former Cumberworth manager Hepworth, who was Emley’s reserve coach before replacing Darren Bland in the top job in November 2010, is back.
The 43-year-old takes his side to Bottesford Town tomorrow before a home game against Grimsby Borough on Saturday.
The club said in a statement: “The events of the past few days have left everyone stunned. We wish to let our loyal management, players and supporters know the chain of events.
“On Thursday evening, the chairman and manager were involved in a disagreement over several club matters.
“On Friday, without further discussion, the chairman relieved the manager of his position and informed the committee afterwards.
“On Saturday, in the dressing room immediately prior to kick-off, the chairman told the staff and players a new manager had been appointed.
“Again this was without communication or consultation with the AFC Emley committee.
“After long and careful deliberations, the committee reversed those decisions and Darren Hepworth returned to his position as first-team manager.
“As part of the decision making process, the committee were reassured the matters at the heart of Thursday’s disagreement were not insurmountable.
“We also wish to apologise to the person approached to take over as manager.
“John Whitehead informed the vice-chairman of his decision to resign, bringing forward his previously announced intention to stand down at the end of the season.
“Until such time as an extraordinary general meeting can be convened, Terry Higgins will serve as interim chairman.
“A secretary will be appointed on a permanent basis at a later date but, in the meantime, existing committee members and football management team will cover the function.
“AFC Emley place on record their debt of gratitude to Mr Whitehead. Whatever the circumstances of the past few days, nobody can deny the strenuous efforts to which he – along with support from his family – has gone to keep football going in Emley.
“This has undoubtedly been a very testing and unsettling period for the football club. All at Emley now wish to return to focusing on matters on the pitch for all three of the club’s teams.”
