MARK Patterson today admitted the demands of non-league football forced him to resign as Chorley manager.

The 38-year-old former Blackburn Rovers player stepped down following the 4-0 defeat at Stocksbridge Park Steels on Tuesday, which signalled the end of his five-month spell in charge.

"I found it difficult being a part-time manager and I've decided it's not for me," said Patterson, who also had a spell in charge of Leigh RMI last year.

"I've got full coaching qualifications and that's what I really want to do but I feel the coaching has been neglected here because you don't get to spend enough time with the players.

"You need to be able to understand the needs of players with work commitments and players who ring up on a Friday to say they can't make it on a Saturday. I've found it difficult to get my head round."

Patterson has apologised to Chorley supporters, some of whom have gone public with their disappointment at the manager swearing on the touchline.

"That's something I've been disappointed with myself," said Patterson. "My demeanour on the bench was probably not what it should have been as a manager with my choice of words and language.

"When you're playing in front of lots of people everyone swears but on the touchline you have to behave better so I apologise if I upset anyone.

"But that's the only thing I'll apologise for. I've laid the foundations, got rid of a lot of dead wood and brought in some quality players. What they need now is someone who can guide them."

Patterson's assistant Jim McBride will inevitably come into the frame for the vacant position, as well as a host of other candidates who applied after Mark Molyneaux was sacked.

Chorley chairman Ken Wright said: "We won't rush into a decision. The credentials of the people who applied last time, which wasn't that long ago, were first class.

"I'm sure in the long term we'll make the right appointment but not before the end of this season.

"I respect Mark's decision but am really disappointed it hasn't worked out for him. We're in a results industry and they've not been good so he's chosen to walk. We wish him all the best."