DARREN BLAND has resigned as manager of AFC Emley.
Bland, who took over the reins at the club this summer, decided to leave the club following their heavy 8-1 defeat against Sheffield FC in the Sheffield and Hallamshire Cup on Wednesday.
Bland leaves the club to take up a coaching position with Sheffield United’s academy alongside running his own business.
Emley secretary John Whitehead said: “Darren has resigned with immediate effect, we would wish him well for the future and every success at this higher level of football.”
Bland has seen mixed fortunes during his tenure since taking over from former Town player Ian Banks in the close season.
His side have struggled to score goals in their Northern Counties East League’s Division I campaign, going the first five games without scoring, but they followed that slow start with a run of 12 games without defeat.
Bland also oversaw AFC Emley’s best run in the FA Vase since their formation five years ago, but ultimately the club have struggled in the league and have remained in the bottom five throughout the season.
Bland’s assistant manager Darren Hepworth, who recently stepped up from the reserve team, will take over the main duties.
Hepworth has a tough task on his hands as he starts his time in charge with today’s clash against league leaders Pontefract Collieries at the Welfare Ground (3pm).
