A FOOTBALL manager has resigned - by text message.

Trevor Jones, manager of Northern League club Peterlee Newtown, sent a message to all his players and the club committee.

It said: "Gents, this so far has been the worst season of my coaching career.

"Because of this and my inability to bring about necessary changes, it makes sense to step aside and give someone else the opportunity to have a go.

"Saturday's match will be my final game. For our last three or four sessions together, can we have the best possible attendance to finish the half season the way you want to start the second half. Trevor."

Chairman of Peterlee Newton FC Trevor Davies, 54, said Mr Jones had told him, in writing, about his desire to resign a fortnight ago.

He said: "I asked him to come in a talk about it. The main reason he wanted to leave was financial. We cannot get the funding in to get the players to get us out of the bottom end of the league.

"He was getting frustrated that he could not get the players he needed."

Mr Davies said he had handed his resignation to the committee in writing, but had informed the players through a text message.

Mr Jones who lives in Newcastle, joined the club as manager and coach nine months ago. But Peterlee Newtown has only won a handful of their 20 games this season.

Mr Jones said: "I have decided to hand in my resignation as I was not able to bring about the changes I wanted at the club.

"We have some fantastic young players, but they are young and we need some experience in the side. But we cannot afford it."