BELEAGUERED Ramsbottom United have suffered another blow with the news that manager Mike Kelly has resigned.

Kelly relinquished team affairs after Saturday's 0-0 draw at Alsager and experienced midfielder Andy Grimshaw is in the hotseat for United's North West Counties League first division clash against St Helens at the Riverside tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Rams boss has taken full responsibility for the club's poor start to the campaign and believes his departure is for the good of the club.

Grimshaw was recommended by Kelly for the job and is expected to be assisted by another well-known face on the local non-league scene, Jimmy Clarke.

Kelly's resignation follows hard on the heels of secretary John Maher and commercial boss Graham Dobson's decision to quit the Riverside outfit last week, citing differences with chairman Harry Williams.

However, Kelly insists that his decision to leave has nothing to do with that situation and is a football matter, purely and simply.

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S BURY TIMES