THE commercial manager of Darlington Football Club has resigned weeks after the Quakers' chief executive also quit, it was confirmed last night.

Bob Gorrill joined the club from Mansfield Town in June, bringing more than 20 years of experience at clubs including Sheffield Wednesday, Oldham Athletic and Northampton Town.

He was charged with helping rebuild the Quakers' business relations in the region and was instrumental in securing a lucrative stadium sponsorship package with Peugeot dealership Williamson Motors.

Last night Darlington confirmed that Mr Gorrill, who lives in Sheffield, had left for private reasons and was not expected to be replaced.

The club added that finances were due to be ploughed into the team.

Mr Gorrill's departure comes three weeks after former chief executive Andy Battison resigned.

He also cited personal reasons for leaving, saying he had spent long hours at the club away from his family.

A Quakers spokesman said last night: "Bob Gorrill has left the club for private reasons.

"He's done a good job, including bringing in the stadium sponsorship deal, but now we're going to take the opportunity to direct investment in the playing side, rather than the back-room scenes.

"We already have a strong team that deals with commercial sponsors, but now we will direct investment where it matters - in the squad."