ATHERTON LR boss Dave Morris has quit Crilly Park.
He is to take up the role as first team boss at Unibond Division One side Flixton.
"I'm certainly sad to be leaving," he said. "Everyone at the club has been terrific during my five-year stay and I want to thank everyone for their backing.
"There has never been one iota of interference. The support of the board has been magnificent.
"But I want to stay in the Unibond League and progress. That was the deciding factor. The potential at Flixton is good and I want to go forward."
The shock news comes in the wake of the midweek resignation of directors Barry Dawson and Jack Rigby.
And secretary Steve Hartle could be the next at the door marked exit following an administrative oversight involving striker Lee Cryer.
LR's top goalscorer of last season has joined Leigh RMI with LR convinced a transfer fee should have been involved.
"I put Cryer on a club contract," said Hartle. "He was the first player to be signed on terms since I became secretary and I thought I had followed the FA instructions to the letter.
"But now I find I must have made a mistake somewhere. The FA do not have him registered by us and he is free to move on with us unable to demand a fee.
"I am absolutely gutted because I feel I've let everyone down with the slip-up."
Hartle subsequently offered to resign, but officials are hoping he can be talked around to staying.
LR are already inviting applications for the manager's job. Write to Atherton LR AFC, Crilly Park, Spa Road, Atherton M46 9XX.
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