LEE Sculpher has revealed the deep frustration which led to him bringing his 13-year association with Clitheroe to an end.

The 34-year-old quit as manager of the Shawbridge club after three years in charge, ahead of their weekend clash with high-flying Gresley Rovers.

Despite leading Clitheroe to the North West Counties League title last season, and establishing them in the UniBond First Division this term, Sculpher felt he didn't have the full backing of the board following the departure of chairman Dave Burgess in the summer.

And he said the efforts of himself, his staff and players often went unrecognised.

"It was a culmination of things that came to a head," said Sculpher, who first joined Clitheroe as a central defender in the early 1990s.

"As time has gone on, things have changed on and off the field at the club.

"I feel we've improved the status on the field. I put a lot of time and effort into trying to achieve everything for the club but, maybe at times there were other people involved that weren't doing the same.

"I started letting things affect me that I shouldn't have done. Things that weren't football related and nothing to do with me as a manager.

"I'm disappointed at myself more than anything that I've let those issues influence me and get me down a little bit.

"Also, I think other people within the club expected us to shoot to the top of the league straight after getting promoted.

"That was totally unrealistic. We knew it would take time to get organised properly."

Sculpher, who admitted being able to spend more time with his family as one of the reasons for leaving, added: "For the last 18 months I have felt we've just been going out to prove people wrong and that detracted from the football.

"And, as a team, I feel we haven't received the rewards and appreciation for all our efforts, and I'm not talking about financial rewards. It would have been good to go into the bar after the game and think a committee man would pat you on the back because we have always been near the top of the league and been involved in cup competitions."

But Clitheroe chairman John Robinson said the club had been supportive of Sculpher and his players.

"I left the dressing room to Lee and his players because I don't want to be seen to be interfering with team affairs," he said.

"Sometimes I would go in after a game, or wait to see them in the clubhouse, and if we'd won there'd be a pat on the back for everyone. If we'd lost, we'd talk about it.

"It was a bolt out of the blue when Lee resigned because he had given no inclination that he was going to pack in.

"But I had a talk with the players and they seem to have got over the shock because they know they've got a job to do.

"No person is bigger than the football club - not me or Lee Sculpher or anyone else.

"The club will carry on no matter what happens."

Robinson added that he wanted Sculpher's assistant Martin Eatough to take over but admitted that seemed an unlikely option at this stage because of his work commitments.

However, he will remain in charge of tonight's home game against Warrington Town.

Anyone interested in the vacant managerial post at Shawbridge should contact chairman Robinson on 07971 205314 for further details.