Brian Davey with his Knaresborough captain Matt Duerden after his side won the NCEL League Cup last year
Brian Davey has resigned as manager Knaresborough Town, just a day before their first pre-season friendly and after eight years in charge.
Knaresborough have expressed “shock and disappointment” at his decision, but accepted his reasons and wished him all the best for the future.
Davey had overseen the most successful period in the club’s history since being appointed to the Manse Lane post in 2007.
The former manager of the successful Harrogate-based Sunday team Sherwood initially led Knaresborough from the bottom of the West Yorkshire League Premier Division to the top of it.
The title was won in 2009 and second place was good enough in 2012 to secure promotion to the Toolstation Northern Counties East League.
More success followed with the capture of the NCEL League Cup last year following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Eccleshill at Valley Parade.
His only blip in eight years was last season when injuries and suspensions in the early part of the campaign curtailed hopes of a promotion challenge.
However, Davey was praised after the emergence of several young players in the first team.
Knaresborough, who are yet to reveal who will hold the reins next, will be without their long-serving manager for the first time at Riccall United on Wednesday night.