DAVE Sutton has resigned as manager of UniBond League side Chorley.

The 39-year-old ex-Rochdale boss tendered his resignation to club chairman Jack Kirkland yesterday.

Assistant manager Steve Doyle, a former midfield player at Preston North End, Huddersfield and Rochdale who was capped for Wales, has taken temporary charge of the team.

Sutton explained to the Chorley chairman that work commitments no longer afforded him sufficient time to devote to the club.

He is planning to expand his market gardening business on Southport Road in which he is in partnership with his father, John.

"I was working too many hours and something had to give," said Sutton, who took over the Premier Division outfit in March of last year.

"For the past 12 months the majority of the work has been done by my dad which isn't really fair.

"And obviously I had to make a decision.

"It wasn't an easy decision because I'll miss the job at Chorley.

"They have a fine bunch of lads and I feel the team's still got a good chance of gaining promotion this season and advancing into the latter stages of the FA Trophy.

"It's only injuries that have prevented Chorley from romping away with things.

"I'll miss the football. But hopefully in a few years' time I'll be in a position to get back into it at a reasonable level again."

Chairman Jack Kirkland thanked Sutton for his service to the club and wished him success with the family business.

"It's regretful that he's leaving but we respect his decision," added Mr Kirkland.

Sutton's finest hour at Victory Park was against Gateshead last season when they beat the Vauxhall Conference side to advance to the semi-final of the FA Trophy.

The manager's post is expected to be advertised within the next week.

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