GREAT Harwood have launched a search for a successor to manager Denis Underwood who resigned on Wednesday night.

The former goalkeeper called it a day after a 6-0 drubbing by Skelmersdale left his side rooted to the foot of the NWCL Division One table and facing relegation.

Underwood had been in charge at Harwood for four years, taking over as they battled for survival in the UniBond First Division.

But, as revealed in yesterday's Lancashire Evening Telegraph, he accepted that 'enough was enough' and that he had taken the club as far as he could.

"It was a big blow. I was so disappointed," said Harwood chairman Bill Holden. "Nobody knows the work Denis put in behind the scenes. He did what a lot of managers wouldn't.

"I enjoyed working with him and you couldn't have met a more genuine man than Denis.

"If he ever wants to come back to the club in any capacity then he is more than welcome. I have a lot of respect for him."

The club haven't got a successor in mind as the Harwood chairman has stated repeatedly that he wanted Underwood to stay in charge. But they had a meeting last night with the directors to discuss the future.

Names that have been thrown into the frame are former Bamber Bridge boss Tony Greenwood, Underwood's assistant John Hughes, ex-Rossendale chief Micky Graham, one-time Darwen boss Ian McGarry and current Stand manager Nick Davis.

"Last time the job came up we had 28 applicants and we will take anyone into consideration," said Holden.

And he insists Harwood are not a lost cause. They travel to Newcastle Town tomorrow desperately looking to break a run of six straight losses but if they could put a bit of a run together, they could still launch a survival bid.

"There are still 21 points to play for and we face some of the clubs around us," said the chairman. "Even though losing Denis was a big blow, we will carry on."